Dr Paul March
	PhD UPenn, USA
	Visiting Fellow
	Room No:
	Office:
	Phone:
	Fax:	9385 2956
	Email:	p.march@unsw.edu.au

Teaching Responsibilities:

MICR2011  Course Coordinator
MICR2201  Course Lecturer
MICR3011  Course Lecturer
MICR3011  Course Lecturer
MICR3011  Course Tutor
Director of Research Student Programmes, BABS

Research Description:

A molecular approach to cellular function. A major challenge for microbiologists is a complete and detailed understanding of the physiology of bacterial cells. The laboratory is engaged in projects aimed at understanding the regulation of cell growth. Program 1: Innovations in Genomics and Bioinformatics. Recent advances in the analysis of genome sequences and global gene expression have ushered in a new era in microbiology. Dr. March and Dr. Daniel Tillett have launched a new company (Nucleics) to develop tools and novel approaches to study gene function on a genome-wide scale (see http://www.nucleics.com). Nucleics has commercial collaborations in Australia, UK, and in the USA. Current projects include developing new methods for DNA sequencing, micro-array analysis, DNA amplification, and protein purification. In addition, in collaboration with Dr. Nick Jacques of the Institute for Dental Research, Nucleics is using some of these methods to determine the entire DNA sequence of important oral pathogens. These activities will continue and be available for honours projects. Students involved in these projects will be exposed to all aspects of commercial research and development. Program 2: Regulation of cell function by GTPases. Our previous work has demonstrated that GTPases are regulatory proteins that are broadly conserved in all cellular systems and regulate cell cycle progression and ribosome function. Dr. March has published important work that addresses the regulation of ribosome function by EF-G and LepA; and the role of Era-like GTPases in cell division and chromosome segregation. The studies on ribosome function are carried out in collaboration with Al Dahlberg at Brown University, USA. This collaboration has provided the opportunity for UNSW students to carry out research overseas in an exchange program.

Selected Publications: