Associate Professor Helen Fitzsimons staff profile picture

Contact details +6469517712

Associate Professor Helen Fitzsimons BSc, MSc, PhD

Senior Lecturer in Molecular Cell Biology

Doctoral Supervisor
School of Food Technology and Natural Sciences

I am a molecular biologist with a background in genetics and neuroscience. My research focuses on investigating molecular and epigenetic mechanisms important for neuronal development and memory formation, and how their disruption contributes to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders associated with cognitive deficits. I specialise in Drosophila neurogenetics, epigenetics, molecular biology, gene therapy, and neurological disease modelling, integrating advanced genetic and biochemical approaches to dissect the pathways that regulate brain function and disease. My teaching contributions include DNA structure and function, gene expression & regulation, and developmental genetics within the BSc program.

Professional

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science - Massey University (1996)
  • Master of Science - Massey University (1998)
  • Doctor of Philosophy - University of Auckland (2003)

Certifications and Registrations

  • Licence, Supervisor, Massey University

Research Expertise

Research Interests

My current research focuses on investigating molecular and epigenetic mechanisms important for neuronal development and memory formation, and how their disruption contributes to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders associated with cognitive deficit. We examine memory processes in neurons at the genetic level by using genetic tools in combination with biochemical, anatomical and behavioural assays to determine how they function in normal memory. In order to carry out these studies we use the fruit fly Drosophila as a model. Drosophila has a small yet highly organised brain and is an ideal model for neuroscientific discovery as it provides the ability to combine genetic, biochemical and behavioural analyses in the same in vivo system.

 

We are currently investigating the histone deacetylase HDAC4, which is associated with both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. A common symptom among these disorders is impaired cognitive function and, we have previously shown that HDAC4 plays a critical role in the regulation of long-term memory. HDAC4 is regulated via nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and is predominantly non-nuclear, localising to both axons and dendrites of neurons.We are examining the molecular roles of HDAC4 in the nucleus and cytoplasmic and how they contribute to the regulation of processes that promote and/or inhibit memory formation.

Thematics

Health and Well-being

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Biological Sciences (060000):
Central Nervous System (110903):
Epigenetics (incl. Genome Methylation and Epigenomics) (060404): Genetics (060400):
Medical And Health Sciences (110000):
Neurogenetics (060410):
Neurosciences (110900)

Research Projects

Current Projects

Project Title: A sticky question: Does intranuclear aggregation of HDAC4 promote neuronal dysfunction?

Date Range: 2022 - 2025

Funding Body: Royal Society of New Zealand

Project Team:

Completed Projects

Project Title: PIN1ng down heterochromatin to prevent cellular ageing

Date Range: 2022 - 2024

Funding Body: Health Research Council of New Zealand

Project Team:

Project Title: A new role for HDAC4 in neuronal morphogensis and memory

Date Range: 2018 - 2022

Funding Body: Royal Society of New Zealand

Project Team:

Project Title: Genetic dissection of long-term memory formation

My research group studies the molecular basis of memory, which involves the changes that occur to DNA and proteins within neurons (nerve cells) when memories are formed and stored. One of our specific interests is how long-term memory is regulated - what are the molecular processes that control whether a memory is formed or not? To investigate the molecular mechanisms that underpin memory, we use the fruit fly Drosophila as a model. Drosophila has a small yet highly organised brain of 200,000 neurons and is an ideal model for memory research because of the powerful tools available for genetic analysis as well as reproducible memory assays that have been developed. One of our areas of interest is a group of proteins called histone deacetylases, which have recently been shown to act as repressors of memory storage. In addition, some histone deacetylases are increased brain tissue from individuals with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting they may play a role in the cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease. We have found that a specific histone deacetylase, HDAC4, plays a critical role in regulation of long-term memory and our current research is focused on examining the specific mechanisms through which this occurs.
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Date Range: 2013 - 2013

Funding Body: Massey University

Project Team:

Research Outputs

Journal

Hawley, HR., Sutherland-Smith, AJ., Savoian, MS., & Fitzsimons, HL. (2025). N-terminal oligomerization drives HDAC4 nuclear condensation and neurodevelopmental dysfunction in Drosophila. Open Biology. 15(10)
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hawley, H., Savoian, M., Sutherland-Smith, A.
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Mitra, R., Hale, TK., Fitzsimons, HL., Gray, C., & White, MPJ. (2025). A novel three-dimensional model of infantile haemangioma. British Journal of Dermatology. 192(5), 874-882
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hale, T.
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Mitra, R., Fitzsimons, HL., Hale, T., Tan, ST., Gray, C., & White, MPJ. (2024). Recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of infantile haemangioma development. British Journal of Dermatology. 191(5), 661-669 Retrieved from https://academic.oup.com/bjd/advance-article/doi/10.1093/bjd/ljae241/7689274
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hale, T.
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Tan, WJ., Hawley, HR., Wilson, SJ., & Fitzsimons, HL. (2024). Deciphering the roles of subcellular distribution and interactions involving the MEF2 binding region, the ankyrin repeat binding motif and the catalytic site of HDAC4 in Drosophila neuronal morphogenesis. BMC Biology. 22(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hawley, H.
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Hawley, HR., Roberts, CJ., & Fitzsimons, HL. (2023). Comparison of neuronal GAL4 drivers along with the AGES (auxin-inducible gene expression system) and TARGET (temporal and regional gene expression targeting) systems for fine tuning of neuronal gene expression in Drosophila.. microPublication Biology. , Retrieved from https://www.micropublication.org/journals/biology/micropub-biology-000885
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hawley, H.
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Schwartz, S., Wilson, SJ., Hale, TK., & Fitzsimons, HL. (2023). Ankyrin2 is essential for neuronal morphogenesis and long-term courtship memory in Drosophila. Molecular Brain. 16(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hale, T.
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Palmer, MJ., & Fitzsimons, H. (2023). Herzog is not required for mushroom body development or courtship learning & memory but is required for eye development in Drosophila melanogaster. microPublication Biology. , Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9926291/
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Hura, AJ., Hawley, HR., Tan, WJ., Penny, RJ., Jacobsen, JC., & Fitzsimons, HL. (2022). Loss of Drosophila Coq8 results in impaired survival, locomotor deficits and photoreceptor degeneration. Molecular Brain. 15(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hawley, H.
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Main, P., Tan, WJ., Wheeler, D., & Fitzsimons, HL. (2021). Increased Abundance of Nuclear HDAC4 Impairs Neuronal Development and Long-Term Memory. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. 14
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Freymuth, PS., & Fitzsimons, HL. (2017). The ERM protein Moesin is essential for neuronal morphogenesis and long-term memory in Drosophila. Molecular Brain. 10(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Green, KA., Becker, Y., Tanaka, A., Takemoto, D., Fitzsimons, HL., Seiler, S., . . . Scott, B. (2017). SymB and SymC, two membrane associated proteins, are required for Epichloë festucae hyphal cell–cell fusion and maintenance of a mutualistic interaction with Lolium perenne. Molecular Microbiology. 103(4), 657-677
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Schwartz, S., Truglio, M., Scott, MJ., & Fitzsimons, HL. (2016). Long-term memory in Drosophila is influenced by histone deacetylase HDAC4 interacting with SUMO-Conjugating enzyme UBC9. Genetics. 203(3), 1249-1264
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Green, KA., Becker, Y., Fitzsimons, HL., & Scott, B. (2016). An epichloë festucae homologue of MOB3, a component of the stripak complex, is required for the establishment of a mutualistic symbiotic interaction with Lolium perenne. Molecular Plant Pathology. 17(9), 1480-1492
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Linger, RJ., Belikoff, EJ., Yan, Y., Li, F., Wantuch, HA., Fitzsimons, HL., . . . Scott, MJ. (2016). Towards next generation maggot debridement therapy: Transgenic Lucilia sericata larvae that produce and secrete a human growth factor. BMC Biotechnology. 16(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Fitzsimons, HL. (2015). The Class IIa histone deacetylase HDAC4 and neuronal function: Nuclear nuisance and cytoplasmic stalwart?. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. 123, 149-158
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Fitzsimons, HL., Schwartz, S., Given, FM., & Scott, MJ. (2013). The histone deacetylase HDAC4 regulates long-term memory in Drosophila. Plos One. 8(12)
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Fitzsimons, HL., & Scott, MJ. (2011). Genetic modulation of Rpd3 expression impairs long-term courtship memory in Drosophila. Plos One. 6(12)
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Fitzsimons, H. (2010). The molecular basis of memory - a tale of snails and flies: How small model organisms can teach us about the brain. New Zealand BioScience. 19, 6-14
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Noe, F., Vaghi, V., Balducci, C., Fitzsimons, H., Bland, R., Zardoni, D., . . . Vezzani, A. (2010). Anticonvulsant effects and behavioural outcomes of rAAV serotype 1 vector-mediated neuropeptide y overexpression in rat hippocampus. Gene Therapy. 17(5), 643-652
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Fitzsimons, HL., Riban, V., Bland, RJ., Wendelken, JL., Sapan, CV., & During, MJ. (2010). Biodistribution and safety assessment of AAV2-GAD following intrasubthalamic injection in the rat. Journal of Gene Medicine. 12(4), 385-398
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Riban, V., Fitzsimons, HL., & During, MJ. (2009). Gene therapy in epilepsy. Epilepsia. 50(1), 24-32
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Noé, F., Frasca, A., Balducci, C., Carli, M., Sperk, G., Ferraguti, F., . . . Vezzani, A. (2009). Neuropeptide Y Overexpression Using Recombinant Adenoassociated Viral Vectors. Neurotherapeutics. 6(2), 300-306
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Franich, NR., Fitzsimons, HL., Fong, DM., Klugmann, M., During, MJ., & Young, D. (2008). AAV vector-mediated RNAi of mutant Huntingtin expression is neuroprotective in a novel genetic rat model of Huntington's disease. Molecular Therapy. 16(5), 947-956
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Jung, AE., Fitzsimons, HL., Bland, RJ., During, MJ., & Young, D. (2008). HSP70 and constitutively active HSF1 mediate protection against CDCrel-1-mediated toxicity. Molecular Therapy. 16(6), 1048-1055
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Emborg, ME., Carbon, M., Holden, JE., During, MJ., Ma, Y., Tang, C., . . . Eidelberg, D. (2007). Subthalamic glutamic acid decarboxylase gene therapy: Changes in motor function and cortical metabolism. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism. 27(3), 501-509
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Kaplitt, MG., Feigin, A., Tang, C., Fitzsimons, HL., Mattis, P., Lawlor, PA., . . . During, MJ. (2007). Safety and tolerability of gene therapy with an adeno-associated virus (AAV) borne GAD gene for Parkinson's disease: an open label, phase I trial. Lancet. 369(9579), 2097-2105
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Fitzsimons, HL., & During, MJ. (2006). Design and Optimization of Expression Cassettes Including Promoter Choice and Regulatory Elements. , 3-16
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Noordmans, AJ., Song, DK., Noordmans, CJ., Garrrity-Moses, M., Fitzsimons, H., During, MJ., . . . Boulis, NM. (2004). Adeno-associated viral glutamate decarboxylase expression in the lateral nucleus of the rat hypothalamus reduces feeding behavior. Gene Therapy (Basingstoke). 11(9)
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
During, MJ., Cao, L., Zuzga, DS., Francis, JS., Fitzsimons, HL., Jiao, X., . . . Haile, CN. (2003). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor is involved in learning and neuroprotection. Nature Medicine. 9(9), 1173-1179
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Luo, J., Kaplitt, MG., Fitzsimons, HL., Zuzga, DS., Liu, Y., Oshinsky, ML., . . . During, MJ. (2002). Subthalamic GAD gene therapy in a Parkinson's disease rat model. Science. 298(5592), 425-429
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Fitzsimons, HL., Bland, RJ., & During, MJ. (2002). Promoters and regulatory elements that improve adeno-associated virus transgene expression in the brain. Methods. 28(2), 227-236
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Xu, R., Janson, CG., Mastakov, M., Lawlor, P., Young, D., Mouravlev, A., . . . During, MJ. (2001). Quantitative comparison of expression with adeno-associated virus (AAV-2) brain-specific gene cassettes. Gene Therapy. 8(17), 1323-1332
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Mastakov, MY., Baer, K., Xu, R., Fitzsimons, H., & During, MJ. (2001). Combined injection of rAAV with mannitol enhances gene expression in the rat brain. Molecular Therapy. 3(2), 225-232
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Fitzsimons, HL., McKenzie, JM., & During, MJ. (2001). Insulators coupled to a minimal bidirectional tet cassette for tight regulation of rAAV-mediated gene transfer in the mammalian brain. Gene Therapy. 8(22), 1675-1681
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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During, MJ., Symes, CW., Lawlor, PA., Lin, J., Dunning, J., Fitzsimons, HL., . . . Young, D. (2000). An oral vaccine against NMDAR1 with efficacy in experimental stroke and epilepsy. Science. 287(5457), 1453-1460
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Fitzsimons, HL., Henry, RA., & Scott, MJ. (1999). Development of an insulated reporter system to search for cis-acting DNA sequences required for dosage compensation in Drosophila. Genetica. 105(3), 215-226
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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IP

Fitzsimons, H., & Bland, R.(2007). . 20090098631A1: Nutter, McClennan and Fish, LLP: Novel glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) proteins and methods of use
[Patent]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Fitzsimons, H., & Bland, R.(2009). . US 7,527,785 B2: Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP, George A Xixis: Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) chimera and methods of use
[Patent]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.

Conference

Hawley, HR., Sutherland-Smith, AJ., Savoian, MS., & Fitzsimons, HL. (2025). HDAC4 biomolecular condensates: dynamics, disruption, and effects on neuronal development. Poster session presented at the meeting of Genetics Society of AustralAsia Conference 2025 (GSA 2025). Auckland, New Zealand
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hawley, H., Savoian, M., Sutherland-Smith, A.
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Hawley, HR., Sutherland-Smith, AJ., Savoian, MS., & Fitzsimons, HL. (2025, July). HDAC4 oligomerisation drives nuclear condensate formation and impairs neuronal development. Presented at Genetics Society of AustralAsia Conference. Auckland, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hawley, H., Savoian, M., Sutherland-Smith, A.
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Wilson, SJ., & Fitzsimons, HL. (2023). CG5846 (peep) is required for Drosophila eye development. Poster session presented at the meeting of Asia-Pacific Drosophila Research Conference (APDRC) 6: 2023. Cairns, Australia
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Hawley, HR., & Fitzsimons, HL. (2023). Oligomerisation of HDAC4: roles in aggregation, distribution, and neuronal development. Poster session presented at the meeting of Asia-Pacific Drosophila Research Conference (APDRC) 6: 2023. Cairns, Australia
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hawley, H.
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Tan, WJ., Hawley, HR., Wilson, SJ., & Fitzsimons, HL. (2023). Functional dissection of HDAC4 in neuronal morphogenesis. Poster session presented at the meeting of Asia-Pacific Drosophila Research Conference (APDRC) 6: 2023. Cairns, Australia
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hawley, H.
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Hawley, H., & Fitzsimons, H. (2022). Investigating the role of HDAC4 aggregation in neuronal development in Drosophila melanogaster. Poster session presented at the meeting of 63rd Annual Drosophila Research Conference. Chicago, United States of America and Virtual
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hawley, H.
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Wilson, S., Schwartz, S., & Fitzsimons, H. (2022). Investigating the interaction between HDAC4 and Ankyrin2 in Drosophila melanogaster neuronal function: It’s not just about physical attraction. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australasian Winter Conference on Brain Research (AWCBR) 2022. Queenstown, New Zealand
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Hawley, H., & Fitzsimons, H. (2022). Focus on the foci: Investigating the role of HDAC4 aggregation in neuronal development in Drosophila melanogaster. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australasian Winter Conference on Brain Research (AWCBR) 2022. Queenstown, New Zealand
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hawley, H.
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Tan, WJ., & Fitzsimons, H. (2021). Investigating the subcellular roles of HDAC4 in Drosophila neuronal development.. Poster session presented at the meeting of 18th European Drosophila Neurobiology Conference: Neurofly 2020. Virtual
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Fitzsimons, HL. (2019, August). HDAC4 on the brain. Presented at Palmerston North Medical Research Foundation Colloquiu,. Palmerston North.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Fitzsimons, HL. (2019, June). ANKoring HDAC4: investigating molecular mechanisms of memory in Drosophila. Presented at Genetics Society of Australasia Conference. Melbourne, Australia.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Fitzsimons, H. (2019, December). Investigating nuclear and cytoplasmic roles of HDAC4 in the brain. Presented at 16th Asian Conference on Transcription. Dunedin, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Main, P., & Fitzsimons, H. (2018). Characterising the subcellular distribution of HDAC4 in Drosophila melanogaster neurological development, learning and memory. Poster session presented at the meeting of 17th European Drosophila Neurobiology Conference (Neurofly 2018). Krakow, Poland
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Fitzsimons, H., Freymuth, PS., Main, PJ., & Schwartz, S. (2018). Investigating the role of the HDAC4-Ankyrin2 interaction in memory formation. Poster session presented at the meeting of 17th European Drosophila Neurobiology Conference (Neurofly 2018). Krakow, Poland
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Fitzsimons, HL. (2017, August). Phenotypic analysis of human ADCK3 mutations in Drosophila. Presented at Palmerston North Medical Research Foundation Colloquium. Palmerston North, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Green, K., Becker, Y., Tanaka, A., Takemoto, D., Fitzsimons, H., Seiler, S., . . . Scott, B. (2017). SymB and SymC, two membrane associated proteins, are required for Epichloë festucae hyphal cell-cell fusion and maintenance of a mutualistic interaction with Lolium perenne. Poster session presented at the meeting of 29th Fungal Genetics Conference, Pacific Grove, California. Pacific Grove, United States of America
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Green, K., Becker, Y., Tanaka, A., Takemoto, D., Fitzsimons, H., Lalucque, H., . . . Scott, DB. (2016, September). SymB and SymC, two membrane associated proteins, are required for Epichloë festucae hyphal cell-cell fusion and establishment of a mutualistic interaction with Lolium perenne. Presented at Queenstown Research Week, Plant Molecular Biology Satellite Meeting. Nelson.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Green, K., Becker, Y., Tanaka, A., Fitzsimons, H., Lalucque, H., Silar, P., . . . Scott, B. (2016). Two Epichloë festucae genes encoding putative membrane associated proteins are required for cell-cell fusion and E. festucae-Lolium perenne symbiosis. Poster session presented at the meeting of 13th European Conference on Fungal Genetics (ECFG13), Paris-La Villette. Paris, France
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Fitzsimons, HL., & Freymuth, PS. (2015, August). Moesin - a memory molecule?. Presented at Palmerston North Medical Research Foundation Colloquium. Palmerston North, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Fitzsimons, HL., Freymuth, PS., & Schwartz, S. (2015, August). HDAC4 and memory formation: Interaction with the actin cytoskeleton. Presented at Australasian Winter Conference for Brain Research. Queenstown, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Fitzsimons, HL., & Freymuth, PS. (2015). The actin‐binding protein moesin and memory formation in Drosophila. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australasian Winter Conference for Brain Research. Queenstown, New Zealand
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Fitzsimons, HL., & Schwartz, S. (2015). Investigating the HDAC4 memory pathway: interaction with ankyrin2?. Poster session presented at the meeting of Society for Neuroscience 2015 Annual Meeting. Chicago, United States of America
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Fitzsimons, HL., & Schwartz, S. (2014, October). A genetic screen for modifiers of HDAC4. Presented at 2014 European Fly Neurobiology. Crete, Greece.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Fitzsimons, HL. (2014, November). A protein to remember: investigating the role of HDAC4 in memory formation.. Presented at Genetics Otago Symposium. Dunedin, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Schwartz, S., & Fitzsimons, HL. (2014). A genetic screen to identify genes that interact with Histone Deacetylase 4 (HDAC4): Investigating the interplay with ankyrin2 in the brain. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australasian Winter Conference for Brain Research
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Fitzsimons, HL. (2014, August). Genetic analysis of the role of HDAC4 in long-term memory: interaction with the SUMO-conjugating enzyme Ubc9. Presented at 32nd Australasian Winter Conference on Brain Research. Queenstown, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Fitzsimons, HL. (2013, August). "Regulation of long-term memory formation - the role of histone deacetylases". Presented at Palmerston North Medical Research Foundation Colloquium. Palmerston North.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Fitzsimons, HL., & Scott MJ, . (2013, February). Genetic analysis of HDAC4 function in long-term memory. Presented at Australian Neuroscience Society. Melbourne, Australia.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.
Fitzsimons, HL. (2011, September). The histone deacetylase Rpd3 regulates long-term courtship memory in Drosophila.. Presented at Queenstown Research Meeting - Epigenetics Satellite.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H.

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Thesis

Hawley, HR. (2024). Investigating HDAC4 aggregation in a Drosophila model of neuronal development: a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand. (Doctoral Thesis, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand) Hawley, HR. (2024). Investigating HDAC4 aggregation in a Drosophila model of neuronal development: a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand. (Doctoral Thesis)
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: Hawley, H.Edited by: Fitzsimons, H., Sattlegger, E., Sutherland-Smith, A.
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Wilson, SJ. (2021). Teasing apart the interaction between HDAC4 and Ankyrin2 in Drosophila neuronal function: A thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Biochemistry School of Fundamental Sciences Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand. (Master's Thesis, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand)
[Masters Thesis]Edited by: Fitzsimons, H.
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Uncategorised

Hawley, H., Sutherland-Smith, A., Savoian, M., & Fitzsimons, H.May
[Preprint]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hawley, H., Savoian, M., Sutherland-Smith, A.
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Teaching and Supervision

Contact Supervisor

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Main Supervisor 1 6
Co-supervisor 3 3

Current Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • Stephana Pereira - Doctor of Philosophy
    Regulation of HDAC4 in aging and disease

Co-supervisor of:

  • Keith Thorburn - Doctor of Philosophy
    Establishment of new CRISPR-Cas tools for gene characterisation in fungi
  • Ashleigh Mosen - Doctor of Philosophy
    Functional characterization of effector genes and their regulators in the apple scab pathogen, Venturia inaequalis.
  • Raka Mitra - Doctor of Philosophy
    Exploring the molecular phenotype of Infantile Haemangioma utilising 3D organoid model: Implications for therapeutics

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • 2024 - Sarah Wilson - Doctor of Philosophy
    Characterising CG5846 (Peep) in Drosophila melanogaster neural function
  • 2024 - Hannah Hawley - Doctor of Philosophy
    Investigating HDAC4 aggregation in a Drosophila model of neuronal development
  • 2022 - Wei Jun Tan - Doctor of Philosophy
    Investigating the role of HDAC4 in Drosophila neuronal function
  • 2019 - Patrick Main - Doctor of Philosophy
    Investigating the role of HDAC4 subcellular distribution in Drosophila development and memory
  • 2019 - Ngonidzashe Faya - Doctor of Philosophy
    The reproductive biology and venom system of the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis
  • view more...
  • 2017 - Silvia Schwartz - Doctor of Philosophy
    Investigating the role of Histone Deacetylase HDAC4 in long-term memory formation
  • view less...

Co-supervisor of:

  • 2025 - Sophie Burling - Doctor of Philosophy
    Patient-derived motor platform for diagnostics and drug discovery in neuromuscular disease
  • 2017 - Sarah Bond - Doctor of Philosophy
    Histone H1 phosphorylation during mitosis
  • 2016 - Kimberly Green - Doctor of Philosophy
    A conserved signalling network regulates Epichloe festucae cell-cell fusion and mutualistic symbiotic interaction betwee E.festucae and Lolium perenne

Media and Links

Media

  • 27 Feb 2014 - Radio
    Our changing world: Fruit flies and memory
    I was interviewed for a story on my research on memory formation on the Radio New Zealand's "Our Changing World" programme