Rate My Professor Robert Bryson-Richardson

Professor Robert Bryson-Richardson is a Professor in the School of Biological Sciences within the Faculty of Science at Monash University, where he heads the Neuromuscular Disease Research Group. He studied Human Genetics at the University of Nottingham and earned his PhD in 2003 from the Medical Research Council's Human Genetics Unit in Edinburgh, where he began utilizing the zebrafish model system for research. After completing his doctorate, he pursued postdoctoral research at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute in Sydney and the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute at Monash University. In 2010, he joined the School of Biological Sciences at Monash University as a lecturer and researcher, advancing to his current professorial position.

The research in the Bryson-Richardson lab centers on neuromuscular diseases, covering the full spectrum from discovering new disease genes and understanding their biological mechanisms to testing potential therapies. The group prioritizes findings that are clinically translatable to improve diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, primarily employing the zebrafish as a model organism. Their work addresses myopathies, muscular dystrophies, and related disorders, incorporating advanced techniques such as 3D and 4D imaging, CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis, and proteostasis network manipulation. Notable publications include 'Convergent evolution of scavenger cell development at brain borders' (Nature, 2026), 'HMGCS1 variants cause rigid spine syndrome amenable to mevalonic acid treatment in an animal model' (Brain, 2025), 'CRIMP: a CRISPR/Cas9 insertional mutagenesis protocol and toolkit' (Nature Communications, 2024), 'Mitochondrial abnormalities contribute to muscle weakness in a Dnajb6 deficient zebrafish model' (Human Molecular Genetics, 2024), 'Pathogenic TNNI1 variants disrupt sarcomere contractility resulting in hypo- and hypercontractile muscle disease' (Science Translational Medicine, 2024), and co-authorship of 'Atlas of Zebrafish Development' (Academic Press). Professor Bryson-Richardson's contributions advance muscle biology, regenerative medicine, and genetic disease modeling, supporting Monash University's focus on health sciences and sustainable development goal 3 for good health and well-being.