Dr John T Fitter Dip Bus Mgt BSc Hons I (Newcastle) PhD (Newcastle)
Contact Details
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Senior
Research Officer & Laboratory Manager
Mothers
& Babies Research Centre
Postal Address.
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.........61 0249 214315
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Current Research
I currently have two principal areas of research. The first examines the endocrine regulation of metamorphosis in tadpoles of Australian frogs. When frogs breed they shed spawn which ultimately develop into tadpoles which must undergo a metamorphosis before emerging onto land as juvenile frogs. The process of metamorphosis is under the control of the endocrine system and evidence from work on North American species has shown that the neuro-peptide corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) plays a pivotal role in the timing of the process. CRH has a direct stimulatory effect on the production of thyroid hormone which acts in a site-specific manner to produce metamorphic morphological changes. CRH also plays an as yet unknown role in human parturition which has been suggested to relate to a placental clock determining the time of birth. I am interested in the conservation of CRH between frogs and humans despite the enormous evolutionary distance between the two species. A variety of biochemical, molecular and histological approaches are being used to examine the levels of CRH and other hormones, and determine the location and abundance of CRH receptors and their role in metamorphosis. I am also looking at the role of CRH in different strategies employed by diverse species of tadpoles to avoid environmental stress during development. The role of Phenotypic Plasticity in this process forms a focus of this work. This work is currently funded by The University of Newcastle RMC grants scheme and this research is conducted in collaboration with biologists from the Amphibian Research Facility at the University of Newcastle. I have an important collaboration with one of the world's leading authorities on tadpole endocrinology through metamorphosis, Dr Robert Denver of University of Michigan, USA.
The second area of research is examining the role of homeobox genes in pregnancy. Homeobox genes belong to a family of genes important for development in all species. The HoxA10, which is a member of the abdominal B subfamily, is expressed in human uterus and is believed to play a major role in establishing conditions for the implantation of embryos. Null mutants of mice deficient in the HoxA10 or HoxA11 gene are incapable of implantation of embryos whilst in the human uterus HoxA10 has been implicated in uterine dysfunction. HoxA10 has been shown to be regulated by progesterone and estrogen in cultured endometrial cells. I am interested in the expression of the Hox genes and their relationship to CRH in human pregnancy.
Memberships
Endocrine
Society of Australia
International Federation of Placental
Associations
Australian
Society of Plant Physiologists
Australasian Laboratory Managers Association (ALMA)
Hunter Central Rivers Catchment
Management Authority
Hexham
Swamp Rehabilitation Project
Publications
Rose, R.J., Fitter, J.T., McCurdy, D. and Sheahan, M.B. (2006) Mitochondrial somatic genetics and homeotic effects on flowering in: Floriculture, Ornamental and Plant Biotechnology Volume 1 Structure, metabolism, development, physiology and genetics, pp. 210-215. Global Science Books, U.K.
Fitter, J.T.; Thomas, M.R.; Niu, C.; and Rose, R.J (2005) Investigation of Nicotiana tabacum (+) Nicotiana suaveolens cybrids with Carpelloid Stamens. J Plant Physiol 162:225-235.
Mesiano, S; Chan, E-C.; Fitter, J.T.; Kwek, K.; Yeo, G.; and Smith, R. (2002) Progesterone Withdrawal and Estrogen Activation in Human Parturition are Coordinated by Progesterone Receptor-A Expression in the Myometrium. J Clin Endocrinol Metab.87(6):2924-2930.
West, N.P.; Jungnitz, H., Fitter, J.T.; McArthur, J.D., Jakubzik, U; Guzman, C.A.; and Walker, M.J. (2000) Phosphoglucomutase of Bordetella bronchiseptica: Role in Lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and Virulence. Infect Immun. 68(8):4673-4680.
Cheng, Y.H.,; Nicholson, R.C.; King, B.; Chan, E-C.; Fitter, J.T.; Smith, R. (2000) Glucocorticoid Stimulation of Corticotropin-releasing Hormone Gene Expression Requires a 3',5'-cyclic AMP Regulatory Element in Human Primary Placental Cytotrophoblast Cells. J Clin Endocrinol Metab.85 (5):1937-1945.
Cheng, Y.H.,; Nicholson, R.C.; King, B.; Chan, E-C.; Fitter, J.T.; Smith, R. (2000) CRH Gene Expression in Primary Placental Cells is Modulated by cAMP. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 85(3):1239-44.
Roger Smith, Eng-Cheng Chan, Sam Mesiano, Richard Nicholson, You-Hong Cheng, Maria Bowman, Vicki Clifton, Gemma Madsen, John T Fitter, Warwick Giles and Andrew Bisits. (1999) Regulation of Parturition: The Role of CRH, (Chapter 24) Hormones and Women's Health: The Reproductive Years. Gordon and Breach Science Publishers (1999).
Ni X.; Chan, E-C.; Fitter, J.T.; Smith, R. (1997) Nitric oxide inhibits corticotropin-releasing hormone exocytosis but not synthesis by cultured human trophoblasts. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 82(12): 4171-4175.
West, N.P.; Fitter, J.T.; Jakubzik, U.; Rohde, M.; Guzman, C.A.; and Walker, M.J. (1997) Non-motile Mini-transposon Mutants of Bordetella bronchiseptica Exhibit Altered Abilities to Invade and Survive in Eukaryotic Cells. FEMS Microbiol. Lett., 146 (2): 263-270.
Fitter, J.T.; Thomas, M.R.; Rose, R.J.; and Scott, N.S. (1996) Heteroplasmy of the Chloroplast Genome of Medicago sativa L. cv. Regen S Confirmed by Sequence Analysis. Theor. Appl. Genet., 93: 685-690.
Fitter, J.T. and Rose, R.J. (1994) Chloroplast DNA Heteroplasmy in Culture. Rice Biotech. Qtrly., 17: 24-25.
Fitter, J.T. and Rose, R.J. (1993) Investigations of Chloroplast DNA Heteroplasmy in Medicago sativa L. Using Cultured Tissues. Theor. Appl. Genet., 86: 65-70.
Rose, R.J; Thomas, M.R.; and Fitter, J.T. (1990) The Transfer of Cytoplasmic and Nuclear Genomes by Somatic Hybridisation. Aust. J. Plant Physiol., 17: 303-321.
Abstracts/Presentations
K. L. Minahan, J. Clulow, M. Mahony, R. Smith, J. T. Fitter (2006) Different Environmental Stresses Elicit Differential CRH Responses In Limnodynastes peronii. 49th Annual Scientific Meeting, Proceedings of the Endocrine Society of Australia (abstract)
Katrina J Pirlo, John Clulow, Robert Denver, John T Fitter, Michael J Mahony, Natalie Plant, Roger Smith (2003) Habitat Effect on the Endocrinology of the Australian Anuran, Limnodynastes peronii During Metamorphosis. 46th Annual Scientific Meeting, Proceedings of the Endocrine Society of Australia (abstract 342)
John Clulow, Katrina J Pirlo, Robert Denver, John T Fitter, Michael J Mahony, Natalie Plant, Roger Smith (2003) The Impact of Habitat on The Metamorphosis of the Australian Anuran Limnodynastes peronii. 46th Annual Scientific Meeting, Proceedings of the Endocrine Society of Australia (abstract 341)
Taylor, J., Clulow, J., Fitter, J. , Plant, N, Smith, R. (2003) The Effects of Density on Tadpole Growth, Development and Metamorphosis: Mediation via Endocrine Pathways. 46th Annual Scientific Meeting, Proceedings of the Endocrine Society of Australia (abstract 340)
Natalie Plant, Michael Mahony, John Clulow, John T Fitter, Roger Smith. (2002) Does Habitat Determine Hormonal Regulation Of Metamorphosis In Australian Anurans? 45th Annual Scientific Meeting, Proceedings of the Endocrine Society of Australia (abstract 353).
Sam Mesiano, Eng-Cheng Chan, John T Fitter, Kenneth Kwek, George Yeo, and Roger Smith (2002) Control of human parturition involves changes in responsiveness of the myometrium to progesterone and estrogen 45th Annual Scientific Meeting, Proceedings of the Endocrine Society of Australia (abstract 330).
Natalie Plant, Michael Mahony, John Clulow, Roger Smith, John T Fitter (2001) Is there a role for CRH in the metamorphosis of Australian frogs? 44th Annual Scientific Meeting, Proceedings of the Endocrine Society of Australia (abstract 433).
Natalie Plant, Michael Mahony, John Clulow, Roger Smith, John T Fitter (2001) The effect of a CRH antagonist on tadpole growth and development during metamorphosis. 44th Annual Scientific Meeting, Proceedings of the Endocrine Society of Australia (abstract 237).
Nicholson, R.C., Cheng, Y-H., King, B., Chan, E-C., Fitter, J.T., and Smith, R. (1999) Regulation of human corticotropin-releasing hormone gene expression in primary placental cell culture. Perinatal Soc. of Aust. & N.Z. Meeting, Melbourne 1999.
Cheng, Y.H., Chan, E-C, Fitter, J.T., and Smith, R (1998) Identification of the promoter region responsible for glucocorticoid upregulation of human corticotropin-releasing hormone gene (hCRH) gene expression in the placenta. 80th Annual Meeting of the Endocrine Society (abstract OR30-4).
Xin, N.; Chan, E-C.; Fitter, J.T.; and Smith, R. (1997) Steroid Hormones Modulate Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Expression By Cultured Placental Cells. 40th Annual Scientific Meeting, Proceedings of the Endocrine Society of Australia (abstract 41).
Xin, N.; Chan, E-C.; Fitter, J.T.; and Smith, R. (1997) Nitric Oxide Inhibits Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Exocytosis But Not Synthesis By Cultured Human Trophoblasts. 40th Annual Scientific Meeting, Proceedings of the Endocrine Society of Australia (abstract 155).
Cheng, Y.H., Chan, E-C, Fitter, J.T., and Smith, R. (1997) Optimization of Cationic Lipid-Mediated Gene Transfer to Primary Cultures Cells of Human Placental Cells. 41st Annual Conference, Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Poster 95).
Chan, E-C, Fitter, J.T., and Smith, R (1996) CRH Receptor is Expressed in the Human Myometrium. 39th Annual Scientific Meeting, Proceedings of the Endocrine Society of Australia (abstract 39).
Cheng, Y.H., Chan, E-C, Fitter, J.T., and Smith, R (1996) Human Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (hCRH) Gene Promoter Activity in Transfected Placental Cells. 39th Annual Scientific Meeting, Proceedings of the Endocrine Society of Australia (abstract 54).
Fitter, J.T., Chan, E-C., and Smith, R (1996) A CRH Receptor is Expressed in Human Placenta. 39th Annual Scientific Meeting, Proceedings of the Endocrine Society of Australia (abstract 90).
West, N.P.; Fitter, J.T.; Guzman, C.A.; and Walker, M.J. (1995) Molecular Investigation and Intracellular Survival of Low Motility Flagella Mutants of Bordetella bronchiseptica. Australian Microbiologist (abstract).
Fitter, J.T.; West, N.P.; and Walker, M.J. (1994) Genetic and Molecular Investigation of Genes Encoding Flagella Biosynthesis in Bordetella bronchiseptica. Australian Microbiologist 15(4):A54.(abstract).
Fitter, J.T.; Rose, R.J.; Thomas, M.R.; and Scott, N.S. (1994) Chloroplast DNA Heteroplasmy in Medicago sativa. 34th Annual General Meeting, Australian Society of Plant Physiologists (abstract/poster).
Fitter, J.T.; Rose, R.J.; Thomas, M.R.; and Scott, N.S. (1994) Chloroplast DNA Heteroplasmy in Medicago sativa. 4th International Congress, International Society of Plant Molecular Biology (abstract/poster).
Fitter, J.T.; Thomas, M.R.; and Rose, R.J. (1992) The Morphology of Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Nicotiana Somatic Cybrid Plants. 32nd Annual General Meeting, Australian Society of Plant Physiologists (abstract/poster).
Fitter, J.T.; Thomas, M.R.; Rose, R.J.; and Scott, N.S. (1992) The Molecular Basis of Chloroplast DNA Heteroplasmy in Medicago sativa L. 32nd Annual General Meeting, Australian Society of Plant Physiologists (abstract).
Fitter, J.T. and Rose, R.J. (1990) The Nature of Chloroplast DNA Heteroplasmy in Medicago sativa L. 30th Annual General Meeting, Australian Society of Plant Physiologists (abstract).
Fitter, J.T.; Rose, R.J.; and Thomas, M.R. (1989) The Chloroplast DNA of Medicago sativa In Relation To Cell Culture. 29th Annual General Meeting, Australian Society of Plant Physiologists(abstract).
Rose, R.J.; Thomas, M.R.; and Fitter, J.T. (1989) The Transfer of Cytoplasmic and Nuclear Genomes by Somatic Hybridisation. 29th Annual General Meeting, Australian Society of Plant Physiologists(abstract).
Thomas, M.R.; Fitter, J.T.; and Rose, R.J. (1988) Transfer of Cytoplasmic Genomes Using Protoplast Fusion and a Physical Selection Procedure in Nicotiana. Proc. Aust. Biochem. Soc. 20.
Rose, R.J.; Thomas, M.R.; and Fitter, J.T. (1987) Cell Culture Systems From Nicotiana and Medicago For the Study Of Chloroplast and Chloroplast DNA Segregation. Society for Experimental Biology, 224th Conference, York, U.K. The Division and Segregation Of Organelles Poster Session.
| 2006 | ||
| Infrastructure - Equipment funds " PCR/qRT-PCR facility; " Cryopreservation facility; " Heracell Tissue Culture incubator |
University of Newcastle SMPH Research Infrastructure Fund |
$100,630 |
| 2005 | ||
| NanoDrop ND-1000 Spectrophotometer plus PC | University of Newcastle NHMRC Equipment Grants | $18,030 |
| RIBG Infrastructure | University of Newcastle | $86,715 |
| The Interaction of Genome, Phenome and Environmental Stress on Tadpole Metamorphosis | University of Newcastle Research Grants Committee | $7,537 |
| 2004 | ||
| RIBG Infrastructure | University of Newcastle | $85,000 |
| The Interaction of Genome, Phenome and Environmental Stress on Tadpole Metamorphosis | University of Newcastle Research Grants Committee | $11,000 |
| Gel Doc/Imaging System for the Mothers & Babies Research Centre | Strategic Infrastructure Grants, Faculty of Medicine & Health | $61,295 |
| 2003 | ||
| ELISA Plate Reader Facility | Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences Equipment Committee | $15,000 |
| The Invitrogen Life Technologies Protein Facility of the Mothers & Babies Research Centre | Invitrogen Life Technologies | $9,000 |
| The Interaction of Genome, Phenome and Environmental Stress on Tadpole Metamorphosis | University of Newcastle Research Grants Committee | $12,000 |
| RIBG Infrastructure | University of Newcastle | $81,500 |
| 2002 | ||
| Capillary Electrophoresis System | Beckman Coulter Australia Pty Ltd | $70,000 |
| RIBG Infrastructure | University of Newcastle | $106,000 |
| Expression of the homeobox gene HOXA10 in human parturition | University of Newcastle Research Management Committee | $13,000 |
| 2001 | ||
| Separation of steroids using temperature-dependent HPLC | Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences Equipment Committee & DVC Research - RIBG funding | $20,889 |
| The role of CRH and the CRH receptor in hormonal control of frog metamorphosis | University of Newcastle Research Management Committee (Small ARC grants) | $ 5,000 |
| 2000 | ||
| Cary 50 Spectrophotometer | Stroud Rodeo Association 2000 Rodeo fundraising | $ 8,000 |
| Millipore Water Apparatus | Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences Equipment Committee | $16,338 |
| Ultracentrifuge | Beckman Coulter Australia Pty Ltd | $90,000 |
| 1999 | ||
| Computing Facilities | Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences Equipment Committee | $49,370 |
| 1998 | ||
| New Biohazard Hood Class II | Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences Equipment Committee | $12,490 |
| 1997-98 | ||
| The regulation and signalling pathway of placental corticotropin-releasing hormone receptors in human pregnancy | University of Newcastle Research Management Committee (Small ARC grants) | $14,000 |
| 1996-97 | ||
| Ultracentrifuge rotor | Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences Equipment Committee | $16,500 |
| 1995-96 | ||
| New Ultra-low temperature freezer | Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences Equipment Committee | $17,210 |
| $826,504 |
Meet the other Senior Research Staff members
.......61 0249 855895 or
0249 214394
