Professor David Cameron-Smith

PhD

Honorary Academic

In: Liggins Institute

Biography

Professor Cameron-Smith obtained his PhD in nutritional biochemistry from Deakin University, Australia. He undertook postdoctoral training at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, investigating endocrine disturbances and lipid metabolism in obesity. Returning to Deakin University, he established a clinical research programme focusing on the dynamic gene and signaling responses to nutrition and exercise.

His appointment to the Chair in Nutrition at The University of Auckland complements the diverse nutritional research interests within the Liggins Institute and adds to the strategic growth of the University’s trans-disciplinary Food and Health Programme.

Research | Current

Understanding how nutrition regulates genes and the biochemical pathways that are essential for optimal human health. Research is directed towards understanding:

The importance of nutrition in the maintenance of optimal health in an ageing population.
The impact of nutrition in regulating the function of muscles to promote muscle growth and minimize fat gain.
Where nutrients go after a meal and how these nutrients control genes and regulate metabolism.

Teaching | Current

Teaching in several papers, including:

BIOSCI 358 Nutrition, Diet and Gene Interactions
MEDSCI 710 – Nutrition Mechanisms
MEDSCI 712 – Critical Evaluation of Nutritional Therapies

Current collaborations

New Zealand - with researchers at Massey University, Plant and Food Research, The National Research Centre for Growth and Development, School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland.

International Collaborations
Australia - with Deakin University, University of South Australia, Edith Cowen University, RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) University, LaTrobe University, Victoria University (Melbourne), Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
Further International collaborations include Wayne State University (USA), McMaster University (Canada) and University of Vienna (Austria).

Selected publications and creative works (Research Outputs)

Woodhead, J. S. T., D'Souza RF, Hedges, C. P., Wan, J., Berridge, M. V., Cameron-Smith, D., ... Merry, T. L. (2020). High-intensity interval exercise increases humanin, a mitochondrial encoded peptide, in the plasma and muscle of men. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 128 (5), 1346-1354. 10.1152/japplphysiol.00032.2020
Other University of Auckland co-authors: Chris Hedges, Troy Merry, Randall D'Souza
D'Souza RF, Woodhead, J. S. T., Hedges, C. P., Zeng, N., Wan, J., Kumagai, H., ... Mitchell, C. J. (2020). Increased expression of the mitochondrial derived peptide, MOTS-c, in skeletal muscle of healthy aging men is associated with myofiber composition. Aging, 12 (6), 5244-5258. 10.18632/aging.102944
Other University of Auckland co-authors: Chris Hedges, Troy Merry
Walker, S., Häkkinen K, Newton, R. U., Markworth, J. F., Pundir, S., Haff, G. G., ... Blazevich, A. J. (2020). Acute responses of comprehensive gonadosteroids and corticosteroids to resistance exercise before and after 10 weeks of supervised strength training. Experimental physiology, 105 (3), 438-448. 10.1113/ep087995
Ramzan, F., D'Souza RF, Durainayagam, B. R., Milan, A. M., Roy, N. C., Kruger, M. C., ... Cameron-Smith, D. (2020). Inflexibility of the plasma miRNA response following a high-carbohydrate meal in overweight insulin-resistant women. Genes & nutrition, 15 (1)10.1186/s12263-020-0660-8
Prodhan, U. K., Pundir, S., Chiang, V. S.-C., Milan, A. M., Barnett, M. P. G., Smith, G. C., ... Cameron-Smith, D. (2020). Comparable Postprandial Amino Acid and Gastrointestinal Hormone Responses to Beef Steak Cooked Using Different Methods: A Randomised Crossover Trial. Nutrients, 12 (2).10.3390/nu12020380
Other University of Auckland co-authors: Amber Milan
Galante, L., Lagström H, Vickers, M. H., Reynolds, C. M., Rautava, S., Milan, A. M., ... Pundir, S. (2020). Sexually Dimorphic Associations between Maternal Factors and Human Milk Hormonal Concentrations. Nutrients, 12 (1).10.3390/nu12010152
Other University of Auckland co-authors: Mark Vickers, Amber Milan
Gokuladhas, S., Schierding, W., Cameron-Smith, D., Wake, M., Scotter, E. L., & O'Sullivan J (2020). Shared Regulatory Pathways Reveal Novel Genetic Correlations Between Grip Strength and Neuromuscular Disorders. Frontiers in genetics, 1110.3389/fgene.2020.00393
Other University of Auckland co-authors: Justin O'Sullivan, William Schierding, Melissa Wake, Emma Scotter
Ramzan, F., D'Souza RF, Durainayagam, B. R., Milan, A. M., Roy, N. C., Kruger, M. C., ... Cameron-Smith, D. (2020). Inflexibility of the plasma miRNA response following a high-carbohydrate meal in overweight insulin-resistant women. Genes & nutrition, 1510.1186/s12263-020-0660-8
Other University of Auckland co-authors: Farha Ramzan, Amber Milan