Dr. Shane Hellyer

Biography

Shane Hellyer is an early career researcher with a PhD obtained in 2015, focusing on neuroscience and molecular pharmacology, particularly the genetic basis of disease. He began his research career in toxinology, studying the mechanisms of action of novel marine neurotoxins during his honors and PhD research. Currently, he serves as a senior postdoctoral research fellow in the Gregory Laboratory at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. His current research is centered on metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors and their roles in neurological disorders, especially schizophrenia, as well as the development of new therapeutic strategies to target these receptors for the treatment of central nervous system diseases. Hellyer is developing an independent research profile, with significant interest in naturally occurring mutations of mGlu receptors that may contribute to the pathology of neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and spinocerebellar ataxia. He aims to explore the pathophysiological effects of these mutations and their potential modulation by small therapeutic molecules. Additionally, Hellyer retains a keen interest in natural neurotoxins and venoms, applying his extensive expertise in various molecular pharmacology techniques, including mammalian neuronal cell culture and electrophysiology. He possesses strong written communication skills, supported by a year in medical communications and a record of 12 publications, including 10 as the first author.

Research Interests

Experience