Raymond Clarke

Raymond is Director of Human Molecular Genetics at the Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital University of NSW Australia; Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of NSW and the University of Queensland. Raymond completed his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics in collaboration with the CSIRO at the UNSW and a Postdoctoral Position of Excellence in Immunogenetics with the CSIRO.

Raymond is best known for identifying the cause of Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) ~ a constellation of birth defects of the spine, skeleton, nerves and organs. KFS is best characterised by fusion of vertebrae into bony blocks within the cervical spine. In 2008 the Clarke laboratory identified the first gene (GDF6) causing KFS (Tassabehji et al 2008).

The Research effort continues to identify additional KFS genes. The Clarke laboratory is preparing a GDF6 knock-in mouse model of KFS to understand the fundamental molecular and cellular aspects of intervertebral disc development during embryogenesis and discal maintenance during adult life. Translational research is underway to develop GDF6 genetic medicines for treatment of disc and cartilaginous degeneration so prevalent in the aging population.
GDF6 regulates development of the vertebral column in addition to numerous other important skeletal structures in the hands, feet, ears and larynx. The Clarke Laboratory is investigating the role of GDF6 in voice and speech development.