Dr. Richard Austin, Professor Ph.D.

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Resume: Richard_Austin_CV.doc

Publications: R._Austin_Publications.doc

Dr. Austin is a molecular biologist with an interest in the molecular mechanisms by which homocysteine promotes cardiovascular disease in humans. Increased levels of homocysteine in the plasma are proving to be a major risk factor for atherosclerotic disease. His studies involve the identification of genes that are specifically induced by homocysteine. The identification of these genes and their products is important because it will allow us to better understand how homocysteine promotes the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. In addition, this information should lead to the development of novel molecular and immunological markers useful in the detection of individuals with hyperhomocysteinemia.

Dr. Austin also is using protein engineering to generate recombinant molecules that have the ability to displace and/or inactivate clot-bound thrombin. The aim of these studies is to develop novel anticoagulants that directly target clot-bound thrombin. His other work focuses on the generation of novel recombinant interleukin-2 immunoconjugates for the treatment of solid tumors. In collaboration with Dr. Peter Ray (Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto), he also is involved in identifying and characterizing different dystrophin isoforms that can lead to muscular dystrophy. Dr. Austin is a member of the graduate faculty in the Hemostasis, Thromboembolism, Atherosclerosis area of the Graduate Programme in Medical Sciences. He is actively involved in the education and training of post-doctoral fellows and graduate students.

Dr. Austin has been a recipient of the Ronald K. Fraser Foundation Research Scholarship and a Premier's Research Excellence Award. He is currently a Career Investigator of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, and is a member of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Canadian Society of Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, and the Cell Stress Society International.