Projects per year
Personal profile
Research interests
Brain Arteriovenous Malformations
Radiobiology
Atherosclerosis
Vascular Restenosis
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Neurovascular dementia
Endocrinology
Biography
Professional overview
Dr McRobb is a Senior Research fellow in the Neurosurgery Research Group at Macquarie University, leading research in brain arteriovenous malformations. She is a scientist with over 30 years of research experience in microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, and cell signalling, with a primary focus in the area of endocrinology and vascular disease. Prior to her PhD, Dr McRobb was a senior scientist in the School of Molecular Biosciences (University of Sydney) studying the molecular mechanisms of bacterial evolution and adaptation to nutrient stress. She received her PhD in the area of vascular biology from the University of Sydney in 2008 and has held postdoctoral positions at The Heart Research Institute (Sydney) and the Centre for Vascular Research (University of NSW). In 2014, Dr McRobb joined the Neurosurgery group at Macquarie University (Department of Clinical Medicine) led by Professor Marcus Stoodley to develop new treatment approaches for brain vascular malformations. She has been a lecturer in the Bachelor of Clinical Science and MD program since 2016. She is currently Unit Convenor of the Human Cell and Molecular Biology Unit in the Bachelor of Clinical Science.
Areas of research interest
Dr McRobb is interested in understanding the pathogenesis of vascular disease and vascular abnormalities and using this information to develop novel treatment approaches. Her previous studies have investigated the role of androgens (male hormones) in driving atherosclerosis and vascular calcification, and the development of small molecule inhibitors for the treatment of vascular disorders such as abdominal aortic aneurysms and vascular restenosis after coronary interventions. Dr McRobb’s current research studies in the Neurosurgery research group aim to develop vascular targeting agents (VTAs) for the treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). These are abnormal vascular structures prone to rupture, which are the leading cause of haemorrhagic stroke in children and young adults. VTA development first involves identifying novel and specific molecular targets in gamma-radiated AVMs. Pre-clinical models and proteomic analysis have been used to identify up-regulated proteins expressed on the surface of irradiated cells lining the vascular wall. Current NHMRC supported studies aim to complete the validation of several novel molecules induced by radiation and to develop targeted drugs designed to occlude the abnormal AVM vessels and eliminate the risk of rupture and stroke. We are also aiming to establish new in vitro AVM models for the identification of novel surface biomarkers for drug delivery, imaging or bioassays using endothelial spheroids.
Teaching
Certificate: Foundations in Learning and Teaching, Macquarie University (2017)
Unit Convenor: MEDI2102 Renal, Reproductive and Endocrine Systems (2020-2023) (150 - 180 students)
Unit Convenor: MEDI2200 Human cell and molecular biology (2024 - ) (140 students)
Senior Lecturer in Bachelor of Clinical Science:
MEDI3200 Cell Cycle and Disease (B Clin Sci)
MEDI3200 DNA damage and repair (B Clin Sci)
MEDI2200 Mitosis and the cell cycle
MEDI2200 Meiosis and genetic variation
MEDI2102 Endocrinology introduction - Cell Signalling and Hormone Biology
MEDI2102 Endocrinology introduction - Hormones and Homeostasis
MEDI2102 The Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands
MEDI2102 The Adrenal Glands - beyond fight or flight
MEDI2102 Endocrinology in Systems Development
MEDI2102 Male Reproductive System - Endocrinology and Physiology
MEDI2102 Female Reproductive System - Endocrinology and Physiology
Senior Lecturer in MD program:
MD program: Cellular and Hormone Signalling
MD program: Blood supply to the brain and CNS
MD program: Mitosis, mieosis and the cell cycle
MD program: Respiratory infections
MD program: CNS blood supply and aberrations
MD program: Male Reproductive System - Endocrinology and Physiology
Education/Academic qualification
Vascular Disease, PhD, Androgen effects on the pathogenesis of advanced atherosclerotic lesions, University of Sydney
1 Jul 2004 → 15 Jan 2008
Award Date: 8 Jun 2008
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Preventing stroke from arteriovenous malformations using precision thrombosis
1/01/21 → 31/12/24
Project: Research
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DNA aptamers targeting endothelial RAS mutants for vascular drug delivery in brain arteriovenous malformations
1/01/20 → 31/12/20
Project: Research
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DNA aptamers targeting endothelial RAS mutants for vascular drug delivery in brain arteriovenous malformations.
1/01/20 → 31/12/20
Project: Research
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OOA_Brain Foundation: In vitro testing of thrombotic nanodisks for vascular targeting of AVMs
Zhao, Z., Stoodley, M., Shi, B., McRobb, L. & Fu, A.
1/01/19 → 31/12/19
Project: Research
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A simple model to study mosaic gene expression in 3D endothelial spheroids
McRobb, L. S., Lee, V. S., Faqihi, F. & Stoodley, M. A., 2 Oct 2024, In: Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease. 11, 10, p. 1-18 18 p., 305.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Downloads (Pure) -
Externalization of mitochondrial PDCE2 on irradiated endothelium as a target for radiation-guided drug delivery and precision thrombosis of pathological vasculature
Faqihi, F., Stoodley, M. A. & McRobb, L. S., 10 Aug 2022, In: International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 23, 16, p. 1-16 16 p., 8908.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Citation (Scopus)60 Downloads (Pure) -
Consent for spine surgery: an observational study
Li Ching Ng, A., Notley-McRobb, L., White, S. J., Cartmill, J. A., Cyna, A. M. & Seex, K., Jun 2021, In: ANZ Journal of Surgery. 91, 6, p. 1220-1225 6 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
6 Citations (Scopus) -
Endothelial surface translocation of mitochondrial PDCE2 involves the non-canonical secretory autophagy pathway: putative molecular target for radiation-guided drug delivery
Faqihi, F., Stoodley, M. A. & McRobb, L. S., 15 Aug 2021, In: Experimental Cell Research. 405, 2, p. 1-10 10 p., 112688.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
4 Citations (Scopus) -
The evolution of safe and effective coaguligands for vascular targeting and precision thrombosis of solid tumors and vascular malformations
Faqihi, F., Stoodley, M. A. & McRobb, L. S., 4 Jul 2021, In: Biomedicines. 9, 7, p. 1-22 22 p., 776.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Citations (Scopus)30 Downloads (Pure)
Prizes
Press/Media
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Novel agents for the targeting of abnormal blood vessels in the brain to prevent stroke
Lucinda McRobb & Marcus Stoodley
15/12/19
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research
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Tamworth Brain Foundation fair: thousands roll up for Christmas stalls at jockey club
Lucinda McRobb & Marcus Stoodley
17/11/19
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research
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Novel agents for the targeting of abnormal blood vessels in the brain to prevent stroke.
Lucinda McRobb & Marcus Stoodley
21/10/19
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research