Adj Assoc Prof Stephen Robinson - Researcher Profile

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Address

School of Psychology and Psychiatry
Building 17, Clayton

Contact Details

Email: Steve.Robinson@monash.edu


Biography

Stephen works in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences at Monash University as an Associate Professor.

Steve's research is guided by the conviction that a better understanding of the involvement of astrocytes will lead to more effective treatments for many neurological disorders. His investigations on glia-neurone interactions, particularly the glutamate-glutamine cycle, have helped to focus international attention on the role of astrocytes in brain function. He has had an international profile as an outspoken critic of the rationale and efficacy of anti-amyloid-? approaches in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Steve directs two research teams: one undertakes laboratory research, the other clinical research. The laboratory team investigates the response of astrocytes to iron-mediated oxidative stress, and their involvement in age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as stroke and Alzheimer's disease. Insights contributed by this research include the discovery of a paradoxical interaction between amyloid-? and metal ions, key roles for astrocytes in accumulating iron and in reducing oxidative stress, and a novel quantitative assay for bio-iron.

The clinical team uses the Subtle Cognitive Impairment Test (SCIT) and other neuropsychological tests to examine cognitive impairment in clinical and community populations including HIV-dementia, cardiac surgery, elderly, fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder and drug intoxication. These studies are being undertaken from the viewpoint that impairments in cognition are often the consequence of impaired metabolic interactions between astrocytes and neurones, and that ultimately it might be possible to alleviate these impairments with treatments that are directed at astrocytes.

Related Links:

Keywords

Alzheimer's disease, Brain function and dysfunction, Cognitive impairment , Neurodegenerative disorders

Qualifications

PHD
Institution: University of New South Wales
Year awarded: 1986

Publications

Book Chapters

Dringen, R., Liddell, J.R., Knorpp, T., Robinson, S.R., 2006, Detoxification of hydrogen peroxide by astrocytes, in Hepatic Encephalopathy and Nitrogen Metabolism, eds D. Haussinger, G. Kircheis, F. Schliess, Springer, Dordrecht The Netherlands, pp. 50-59.

Journal Articles

Steele, M., Robinson, S.R., 2012, Reactive astrocytes give neurons less support: implications for Alzheimer's disease, Neurobiology of Aging [P], vol 33, issue 2 (Art. No.: 423e), Elsevier Inc, United States, pp. 1-13.

Friedman, T.W., Yelland, G.W., Robinson, S.R., 2012, Subtle cognitive impairment in elders with mini-mental state examination scores within the 'normal' range, International Journal Of Geriatric Psychiatry [P], vol 27, issue 5, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, United Kingdom, pp. 463-471.

Friedman, T.W., Robinson, S.R., Yelland, G.W., 2011, Impaired perceptual judgment at low blood alcohol concentrations, Alcohol [P], vol 45, issue 7, Elsevier Inc., USA, pp. 711-718.

Fernandes, S., Dringen, R., Lawen, A., Robinson, S., 2011, Inactivation of astrocytic glutamine synthetase by hydrogen peroxide requires iron, Neuroscience Letters [P], vol 490, issue 1, Elsevier Ireland Ltd, Ireland, pp. 27-30.

Hudson, A., Balin, B., Crutcher, K., Robinson, S., 2011, New thinking on the eitology and pathogenesis of late-onsent Alzheimer's Disease, International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease [E], vol 2011, Hindawi Publishing Corp, US, pp. 1-2.

Dang, T., Bishop, G., Dringen, R., Robinson, S., 2011, The metabolism and toxicity of hemin in astrocytes, Glia [P], vol 59, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., USA, pp. 1540-1550.

Dang, T., Robinson, S., Dringen, R., Bishop, G., 2011, Uptake, metabolism and toxicity of hemin in cultured neurons, Neurochemistry International [P], vol 58, issue 7, Elsevier Ltd, UK, pp. 804-811.

Lane, D.J.R., Robinson, S.R., Czerwinska, H.B., Lawen, A., 2010, A role for Na+/H+ exchangers and intracellular pH in regulating vitamin C-driven electron transport across the plasma membrane, Biochemical Journal [P], vol 428, issue 2, Portland Press Ltd, UK, pp. 191-200.

Bishop, G., Dang, T., Dringen, R., Robinson, S., 2010, Accumulation of non-transferrin-bound iron by neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, Neurotoxicity Research [P], vol 19, issue 3, Springer New York LLC, USA, pp. 443-451.

Liddell, J., Robinson, S., Dringen, R., Bishop, G., 2010, Astrocytes retain their antioxidant capacity into advanced old age, Glia [P], vol 58, issue 12, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., USA, pp. 1500-1509.

Keenan, B., Robinson, S., Bishop, G., 2010, Effects of carboxylic acids on the uptake of non-transferrin-bound iron by astrocytes, Neurochemistry International [P], vol 56, issue 6-7, Elsevier Ltd, UK, pp. 843-849.

Ralph, D., Robinson, S., Campbell, M., Bishop, G., 2010, Histidine, cystine, glutamine, and threonine collectively protect astrocytes from the toxicity of zinc, Free Radical Biology and Medicine [P], vol 49, issue 4, Elsevier Inc., USA, pp. 649-657.

Fernandes, S., Dringen, R., Lawen, A., Robinson, S., 2010, Neurones express glutamine synthetase when deprived of glutamine or interaction with astrocytes, Journal Of Neurochemistry [P], vol 114, issue 5, Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd, UK, USA, pp. 1527-1536.

Bishop, G., Scheiber, I., Dringen, R., Robinson, S., 2010, Synergistic accumulation of iron and zinc by cultured astrocytes, Journal of Neural Transmission [E], vol 117, issue 7, Springer Wien, Austrla, pp. 809-817.

Dang, T.N.T., Bishop, G.M., Dringen, R., Robinson, S.R., 2010, The putative heme transporter HCP1 is expressed in cultured astrocytes and contributes to the uptake of hemin, Glia [E], vol 58, issue 1, John Wiley & Sons Inc, USA, pp. 55-65.

Lane, D., Robinson, S., Czerwinska, H., Bishop, G., Lawen, A., 2010, Two routes of iron accumulation in astrocytes: Ascorbate-dependent ferrous iron uptake via the divalent metal transporter (DMT1) plus an independent route for ferric iron, Biochemical Journal [P], vol 432, issue 1, Portland Press Ltd, UK, pp. 123-132.

Tulpule, K., Robinson, S.R., Bishop, G.M., Dringen, R., 2010, Uptake of ferrous iron by cultured rat astrocytes, Journal of Neuroscience Research [E], vol 88, John Wiley & Sons Inc, US, pp. 563-571.

Robinson, S.R., Dang, T.N.T., Dringen, R., Bishop, G.M., 2009, Hemin toxicity: a preventable source of brain damage following hemorrhagic stroke, Redox Report [P], vol 14, issue 6, Maney publishing, UK, pp. 228-235.

Liddell, J.R., Zwingmann, C., Schmidt, M.M., Thiessen, A., Leibfritz, D., Robinson, S.R., Dringen, R., 2009, Sustained hydrogen peroxide stress decreases lactate production by cultured astrocytes, Journal Of Neuroscience Research [P], vol 87, issue 12, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., USA, pp. 2696-2708.

Bruce, K.M., Smith, J.A., Yelland, G.W., Robinson, S.R., 2008, The impact of cardiac surgery on cognition, Stress and Health, vol 24, issue 3, John Wiley & Sons Inc, USA, pp. 249-266.

Fernandes, S.P., Edwards, T.M., Ng, K.T., Robinson, S.R., 2007, HIV-1 protein gp120 rapidly impairs memory in chicks by interrupting the glutamate-glutamine cycle, Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, vol 87, issue 1, Academic Press Inc Elsevier Science, California USA, pp. 1-8.

Bishop, G.M., Robinson, S.R., 2007, Insight on Alzheimer's Disease from the intracerebral injection and infusion of Amyloid-Beta, International Journal of Medical and Biological Frontiers [P], vol 12, issue 1/2, Nova Science, New York, USA, pp. 37-90.

Dringen, R., Bishop, G.M., Koeppe, M., Dang, T.N.T., Robinson, S.R., 2007, The pivotal role of astrocytes in the metabolism of iron in the brain, Neurochemical Research, vol 32, issue 11, Springer New York LLC, USA, pp. 1884-1890.

Bishop, G.M., Dringen, R., Robinson, S.R., 2007, Zinc stimulates the production of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibits glutathione reductase in astrocytes, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, vol 42, issue 8, Elsevier Science Inc, USA, pp. 1222-1230.

Liddell, J.R., Dringen, R., Crack, P.J., Robinson, S.R., 2006, Glutathione peroxidase 1 and a high cellular glutathione concentration are essential for effective organic hydroperoxide detoxification in astrocytes, GLIA, vol 54, issue 8, Wiley-Liss, Hoboken USA, pp. 873-879.

Liddell, J.R., Hoepken, H.H., Crack, P.J., Robinson, S.R., Dringen, R., 2006, Glutathione peroxidase 1 and glutathione are required to protect mouse astrocytes from iron-mediated hydrogen peroxide toxicity, Journal of Neuroscience Research, vol 84, issue 3, Wiley-Liss, Hoboken USA, pp. 578-586.

Knorpp, T., Robinson, S.R., Crack, P.J., Dringen, R., 2006, Glutathione peroxidase-1 contributes to the protection of glutamine synthetase in astrocytes during oxidative stress, Journal of Neural Transmission, vol 113, issue 9, Springer Wien, Wien Austria, pp. 1145-1155.

Bailes, H.J., Robinson, S.R., Trezise, A.E.O., Collin, S.P., 2006, Morphology, characterization, and distribution of retinal photoreceptors in the Australian lungfish Neoceratodus forsteri (Krefft, 1870), The Journal of Comparative Neurology, vol 494, issue 3, Wiley-Liss, Hoboken USA, pp. 381-397.

Edwards, M., Robinson, S.R., 2006, TNF alpha affects the expression of GFAP and S100B: implications for Alzheimer's disease, Journal of Neural Transmission, vol 113, issue 11, Springer Wien, Wien Austria, pp. 1709-1715.

Friedman, T.W., Yelland, G.W., Robinson, S.R., 2005, SCIT: A novel test that is sensitive to subtle deficits in cognitive performance in the elderly, Australian Journal of Psychology, vol 57, Australian Psychological Soc, Carlton Vic Australia, p. 10.

Bishop, G.M., Swan, L.E., Robinson, S.R., 2004, Altered cellular distribution of iron in rat cerebral cortex during the oestrous cycle, Journal of Neural Transmission, vol 111, issue 2, Springer-Verlag Wien, Austria, pp. 159-165.

Robinson, S.R., Dobson, C., Lyons, J., 2004, Challenges and directions for the pathogen hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease, Neurobiology of Aging, vol 25, Elsevier, New York USA, pp. 629-637.

Riemer, J., Hoepken, H.H., Czerwinska, H.B., Robinson, S.R., Dringen, R., 2004, Colorimetric ferrozine-based assay for the quantitation of iron in cultured cells, Analytical Biochemistry, vol 331, issue 2, Elsevier, San Deigo USA, pp. 370-375.

Liddell, J.R., Robinson, S.R., Dringen, R., 2004, Endogenous glutathione and catalase protect cultured rat astrocytes from the iron-mediated toxicity of hydrogen peroxide, Neuroscience Letters, vol 364, issue 3, Elsevier, Ireland, pp. 164-167.

Hoepken, H.H., Korten, T., Robinson, S.R., Dringen, R., 2004, Iron accumulation, iron-mediated toxicity and altered levels of ferritin and transferrin receptor in cultured astrocytes during incubation with ferric ammonium citrate, Journal of Neurochemistry, vol 88, issue 5, Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Oxford UK, pp. 1194-1202.

Robinson, S.R., Bishop, G.M., Lee, H., Munch, G., 2004, Lessons from the AN 1792 Alzheimer vaccine: lest we forget, Neurobiology of Aging, vol 25, Elsevier, New York USA, pp. 609-615.

Hayter, C.L., Bishop, G.M., Robinson, S.R., 2004, Pharmacological but not physiological concentrations of melatonin reduce iron-induced neuronal death in rat cerebral cortex, Neuroscience Letters, vol 362, issue 3, Elsevier, Clare Ireland, pp. 182-184.

Bishop, G.M., Robinson, S.R., 2004, Physiological roles of amyloid- and implications for its removal in alzheimer's disease, Drugs and Aging, vol 21, issue 10, Adis International Ltd, Auckland New Zealand, pp. 621-630.

Bishop, G.M., Robinson, S.R., 2004, The amyloid paradox: Amyloid--metal complexes can be neurotoxic and neuroprotective, Brain Pathology, vol 14, issue 4, International Society of Neuropathology, Los Angeles USA, pp. 448-452.

Robinson, S.R., Bishop, G.M., Munch, G., 2003, Alzheimer vaccine: amyloid- on trial, BioEssays, vol 25, issue 3, Company of Biologists Ltd, Cambridge UK, pp. 283-288.

Munch, G., Kuhla, B., Luth, H., Arendt, T., Robinson, S.R., 2003, Anti-AGEing defences against Alzheimer's disease, Biochemical Society Transactions, vol 31, issue 6, Portland Press, London England, pp. 1397-1399.

Bishop, G.M., Robinson, S.R., 2003, Deposits of fibrillar A do not cause neuronal loss or ferritin expression in adult rat brain, Journal of Neural Transmission, vol 110, issue 4, Springer-Verlag Wien, Vienna Austria, pp. 381-400.

Bishop, G.M., Robinson, S.R., 2003, Human A1-42 reduces iron-induced toxicity in rat cerebral cortex, Journal of Neuroscience Research, vol 73, Wiley-Liss, New York USA, pp. 316-323.

Robinson, S.R., Bishop, G., 2002, Ab as a bioflocculant: implications for the amyloid hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease, Neurobiology of Aging, vol 23, Elsevier, USA, pp. 1051-1072.

Munch, G., Robinson, S.R., 2002, Alzheimer's vaccine: a cure as dangerous as the disease?, Journal of Neural Transmission, vol 109, issue 4, Springer-Verlag Wien, Austria, pp. 537-539.

Atwood, C.S., Robinson, S.R., Smith, A.A., 2002, Amyloid-b: redox-metal chelator and antioxidant, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol 4, IOS Press, Netherlands, pp. 203-214.

Bishop, G.M., Robinson, S.R., Smith, M.A., Perry, G., Atwood, C.S., 2002, Call for Elan to publish Alzheimer's trial details, Nature, vol 416, issue 6882, Nature Publishing Group, London England, p. 677.

Bishop, G., Robinson, S.R., 2002, Deposits of fibrillar Ado not cause neuronal loss of ferritin expression in adult rat brain, Journal of Neural Transmission, vol 4, Springer-Verlag Wien, Austria, pp. 1-20.

Bishop, G., Robinson, S.R., Liu, Q., Perry, G., Atwood, C.S., Smith, M.A., 2002, Iron: a Pathological mediator of Alzheimer's disease, Developmental Neuroscience, vol 24, S Karger AG, Switzerland, pp. 184-187.

Munch, G., Robinson, S.R., 2002, Potential neurotoxic inflammatory responses to Ab vaccination in humans, Journal of Neural Transmission, vol 109, Springer-Verlag Wien, Austria, pp. 1081-1087.

Robinson, S.R., Bishop, G.M., 2002, The amyloid hypothesis: let sleeping dogmas lie?, Neurobiology of Aging, vol 23, Elsevier, USA, pp. 1101-1105.

Robinson, S.R., Bishop, G.M., 2002, The search for an amyloid solution, Science, vol 298, issue 5595, American Association for the Advancement of Science, USA, pp. 962-963.

Robinson, S.R., 2001, Changes in the cellular distribution of glutamine synthetase in Alzheimer's Disease, Journal of Neuroscience Research, vol 66, Wiley-Liss Inc, New York NY USA, pp. 972-980.

Bishop, G., Robinson, S.R., 2001, Quantitative analysis of cell death and ferritin expressionin response to cortical iron: implicatons for hypoxia - ischemia and stroke, Brain Research Interactive, vol 907, Elsevier Science BV, Amsterdam Netherlands, pp. 175-187.

Halliday, G., Robinson, S.R., Shepherd, C., Kril, J., 2000, Alzheimer's disease and inflammation: A review of cellular and therapeutic mechanisms, Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, vol 27, Blackwell Science Asia, Carlton Vic Australia, pp. 1-8.

Barnett, N.L., Pow, D.V., Robinson, S.R., 2000, Inhibition of Muller cell glutamine synthetase rapidly impairs the retinal response to light, Glia, vol 30, Wiley-Liss, New York NY USA, pp. 64-73.

Laming, P., Kimelberg, J., Robinson, S.R., Salm, A., Hawrylak, N., Muller, C., Roots, B., Ng, K.T., 2000, Neuronal - glial interactions and behaviour, Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, vol 24, Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd, Kindlington Oxford UK, pp. 295-340.

Robinson, S.R., 2000, Neuronal expression of glutamine synthetase in Alzheimer's disease indicates a profound impairment of metabolic interactions with astrocytes, Neurochemistry International, vol 36, Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd, Kidlington Oxford UK, pp. 471-482.

Hertz, L., Dringen, R., Schousboe, A., Robinson, S.R., 1999, Astrocytes: Glutamate producers for neurons, Journal of Neuroscience Research, vol 57, Wiley-Liss Inc, New York NY USA, pp. 417-428.

Hertz, L., Robinson, S.R., 1999, Energy for Neurotransmission, Science Magazine, vol 285, 5428, American Assoc. for the Advancement of Science, www.sciencemag/org/cgi/content/full/285/5428/639a, p. 639.

Ng, K.T., O'Dowd, B.S., Robinson, S.R., Gibbs, M.E., Rainey, C., Zhao, W., Sedman, G.L., Hertz, L., 1997, Complex roles of glutamate in the Gibbs-Ng model of one-trial aversive learning in the new-born chick, Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, vol 21, Elsevier Science Ltd, UK, pp. 45-54.

O'Dowd, B.S., Ng, K.T., Robinson, S.R., 1997, Distribution of glutamine synthetase in the chick forebrain: Implications for passive avoidance memory formation, Journal of Brain Research, vol 38, VWB - Verlag fur Wissenschaft und Bildung, Berlin Germany, pp. 147-152.

Conference Proceedings

Mahtani, S., Robinson, S., Yelland, G., Sasse, A., Conduit, R., 2011, Nadir oxygen desaturation is correlated with cognitive impairment in obstructive sleep apnoea, Little Clock, Big Clock: Molecular to Physiological Clocks, 17th September 2011, Australasian Chronobiology Society, Australia, pp. 37-41.

Other

Friedman, T.W., Hutchison, C.W., Robinson, S.R., Yelland, G.W., 2008, Assessment of cognitive impairment.

Yelland, G.W., Robinson, S.R., Friedman, T.W., Hutchison, C.W., 2003, Assessment of Cognitive Impairment, Australia.

Grants

Title:
A population-based cohort study of brain ageing - rates of brain structural change, functional effects , and mechanisms.
Investigators:
Srikanth, V, Blizzard, L, Thrift, A, Phan, T, Muench, G, Robinson, S
Funding:
(2008 - 2012). National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
Title:
A toxic cycle of inflammation and iron in the ageing brain.
Investigators:
Robinson, S, Bishop, G
Funding:
(2012 - 2016). Australian Research Council (ARC).
Title:
An evaluation of cognitive changes in response to gluten challenge in patients with coeliac disease on a strict gluten free diet.
Investigators:
Newnham, E, Shepherd, S, Gibson, P, Yelland, G, Robinson, S
Funding:
(2010 - 2014). Coeliac Research Fund.
Title:
Cognitive impairment after cardiac surgery.
Investigators:
Smith, J, Robinson, S, Almeida, A, Yelland, G, Bruce, K
Funding:
(2005 - 2009). Australasian Society of Cardiac & Thoracic Surgeons.
Title:
Impaired neurovascular function in diabetes: Role of advanced glycation endproducts.
Investigators:
Coleman, H, Srikanth, V, Muench, G, Robinson, S
Funding:
(2009 - 2012). Heart Foundation.
Title:
Metabolism and neurotoxicity of hemin and hemin-derived iron.
Investigators:
Robinson, S, Dringen, R
Funding:
(2005 - 2009). National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
Title:
Oxidation states of hemin-iron following exposure to hydrogen peroxide.
Investigators:
Robinson, S
Funding:
(2009 - 2014). Australian Synchrotron.
Title:
Valence states of hemin-iron in cultured brain cells: implications for haemorrhagic stroke.
Investigators:
Robinson, S
Funding:
(2009 - 2012). Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation (ANSTO).
Title:
The Roles and Regulation of Extracellular Ferritin in the Central Nervous System.
Investigators:
Robinson, S
Funding:
(1999 - 2003). National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Postgraduate Research Supervisions

Current Supervision

Program of Study:
(DOCTORATE BY RESEARCH).
Thesis Title:
Biomarkers of subtle cognitive impairment in older Australians.
Supervisors:
Robinson, S (Main), Gibson, P (Associate).

Completed Supervision

Student:
Ahlfeldt, R.
Program of Study:
THE DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF DISTINCT OLIGOMERIC POPULATIONS OF AB ON NEURONAL VIABILITY. (Masters) 2007.
Supervisors:
Bishop, G (Joint), Robinson ((Double Id)), S (Joint-Co).
Student:
Bishop, G.
Program of Study:
IN VIVO NEUROTOXICITY OF AB AND METAL IONS: RELEVANCE TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE. (PHD) 2001.
Supervisors:
Robinson, S (Main), Ng, K (Associate).
Student:
Chuei, M.
Program of Study:
Mechanism of Iron uptake in astrocytes. 2011.
Supervisors:
Lawen, A (Main), Robinson ((Double Id)), S (Associate).
Student:
Dang, T.
Program of Study:
The accumulation, metabolism and toxicity of hemin in cultured astrocytes and neurons. (PHD) 2011.
Supervisors:
Robinson, S (Main), Bishop, G (Associate).
Student:
Edwards, M.
Program of Study:
ALTERATION OF ASTROCYTE-SPECIFIC PROTEIN EXPRESSION: IMPLICATIONS FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE. (PHD) 2002.
Supervisors:
Robinson, S (Main), Ng, K (Associate).
Student:
Fernandes, S.
Program of Study:
Modulation of glutamine synthetase in brain cells. (PHD) 2011.
Supervisors:
Robinson ((Double Id)), S (Main), Lawen, A (Associate).
Student:
Friedman, T.
Program of Study:
Detection of subtle differences in cognitive function. (PHD) 2011.
Supervisors:
Yelland, G (Main), Robinson, S (Associate).
Student:
Hutchison, C.
Program of Study:
Utility of the Subtle Cognitive Impairment Test in detecting HIV-associated neuropsychological impairment. (PHD) 2005.
Supervisors:
Robinson ((Double Id)), S (Main), Yelland, G (Associate).
Student:
Liddell, J.
Program of Study:
Peroxide detoxification and the antioxidative defences of cultured astrocytes. (PHD) 2010.
Supervisors:
Robinson, S (Main).
Student:
Snelex, S.
Program of Study:
. 2004.
Supervisors:
Lawen, A (Main), Robinson ((Double Id)), S (Associate).