| Professor Daly’s research involves exploring the potential of peptides as drug candidates for therapeutic applications. Peptides are of significant interest in drug design as they can be highly potent and specific for a range of different drug targets. However, the inherent poor stability of peptides limits their application. Her research aims to overcome this limitation by using tightly folded scaffolds, such as those found in the venom of spiders, cone snails, scorpions as well as parasite-derived peptides, to improve stability. It is anticipated that these studies will significantly expand the potential of peptides as therapeutics. In particular, peptide-based drug leads for wound healing and inflammatory diseases are being explored because of the enormous impact it has on health care in Australia and the urgent need for more effective treatments. Professor Daly was awarded her PhD from the University of Queensland. Her studies involved using NMR spectroscopy to determine the structure of domains of the LDL receptor; a receptor critical for the control of cholesterol levels. Following these studies she was involved in establishing a new field of research involving plant derived cyclic peptides. This work resulted in several granted patents and the establishment of a small biotechnology company associated with The University of Queensland. Daly has published more than 170 journal articles, 3 book chapters, been awarded a UQ Research Excellence Award, awarded a National Breast Cancer Foundation Novel Concept award, and held a NHMRC Industry Fellowship, a Queensland Smart State Fellowship and an ARC Future Fellowship. H-index = 71. |
