UC Spark

Dr David Anthony Collings

Biological Sciences

Fields of Research

  • Confocal microscopy
  • Cytoskeleton (microtubules and actin microfilaments)
  • Organelle function and motility
  • Cell division and elongation
  • Plant cell wall

Researcher Summary

My primary research interest is the functional organisation of plant cells.  This research makes extensive use of advanced methods in light microscopy, including the confocal imaging of living cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and of immunolabelled material.

Subject Area: Disciplines

Research Groups

Key Methodologies

  • Confocal microscopy
  • Immunofluorescence microscopy
  • Green fluorescent protein
  • Transient expression (particle bombardment or the "gene gun")

Affiliations

Publications


  • Chauhan, S.S., Sharma, M., Thomas, J., Apiolaza, L.A., Collings, D.A. and Walker, J.C.F. (2013) Methods for the very early selection of Pinus radiata D. Don. for solid wood products. Annals of Forest Science (early access online) http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13595-013-0270-3. (Journal Article)
  • Thomas, J., Ingerfeld, M., Nair, H., Chauhan, S.S. and Collings, D.A. (2013) Pontamine fast scarlet 4B: A new fluorescent dye for visualising cell wall organisation in radiata pine tracheids. Wood Science and Technology 47(1): 59-75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00226-012-0483-x. (Journal Article)
  • Kraberger, S., Thomas, J.E., Geering, A.D.W., Dayaram, A., Stainton, D., Hadfield, J., Walters, M., Parmenter, K.S., van Brunschot, S., Collings, D.A., Martin, D.P. and Varsani, A. (2012) Australian monocot-infecting mastrevirus diversity rivals that in Africa. Virus Research 169(1): 127-136. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.virusres.2012.07.018. (Journal Article)
  • Schuermann, J., Huber, T., Collings, D., Sellier, M. and Staiger, M.P. (2012) Dissolution behaviour of regenerated cellulose fibre. Hobart, Australia: 33rd Australasian Polymer Symposium (33APS), 12-15 Feb 2012. (Conference Contribution - Poster presentation)
  • Stainton, D., Kraberger, S., Walters, M., Wiltshire, E.J., Rosario, K., Halafihi, M., Lolohea, S., Katoa, I., Faitua, T.H., Aholelei, W., Taufa, L., Thomas, J.E., Collings, D.A., Martin, D.P. and Varsani, A. (2012) Evidence of inter-component recombination, intra-component recombination and reassortment in Banana bunchy top virus. Journal of General Virology 93(5): 1103-1119. http://dx.doi.org/10.1099/vir.0.040337-0. (Journal Article)
  • Julian, L., Lorenzo, A., Chenuet, J-P., Bonzon, M., Marchal, C., Vignon, L., Collings, D.A., Walters, M., Jackson, B. and Varsani, A. (2012) Evidence of multiple introductions of beak and feather disease virus into the Pacific Islands of Nouvelle-Calédonie (New Caledonia). Journal of General Virology 93(11): 2466-2472. http://dx.doi.org/10.1099/vir.0.045575-0. (Journal Article)
  • Lechner, B., Rashbrooke, M.C., Collings, D.A., Eng, R.C., Kawamura, E., Whittington, A.T. and Wasteneys, G.O. (2012) The N-terminal TOG domain of Arabidopsis MOR1 modulates affinity for microtubule polymers. Journal of Cell Science 125: 4812-4821. http://dx.doi.org/10.1242/jcs.107045. (Journal Article)
  • Keown, D.A., Collings, D.A. and Keenan, J.I. (2012) Uptake and persistence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in human monocytes. Infection and Immunity 80(11): 3768-3775. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/IAI.00534-12. (Journal Article)
  • Barton, D.A., Cole, L., Collings, D.A., Liu, D.Y.T., Smith, P.M.C., Day, D.A. and Overall, R.L. (2011) Cell-to-cell transport via the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. The Plant Journal 66(5): 806-817. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2011.04545.x. (Journal Article)
  • Rosario, K., Marinov, M., Stainton, D., Kraberger, S., Wiltshire, E.J., Collings, D.A., Walters, M., Martin, D.P., Breitbart, M. and Varsani, A. (2011) Dragonfly cyclovirus, a novel single-stranded DNA virus discovered in dragonflies (Odonata: Anisoptera). Journal of General Virology 92(6): 1302-1308. http://dx.doi.org/10.1099/vir.0.030338-0. (Journal Article)
  • Faulkner, C.R., Blackman, L.M., Collings, D.A., Cordwell, S.J. and Overall, R.L. (2009) Anti-tropomyosin antibodies co-localise with actin microfilaments and label plasmodesmata. European Journal of Cell Biology 88(6): 357-369. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejcb.2009.02.184. (Journal Article)
  • Wiltshire, E.J. and Collings, D.A. (2009) New dynamics in an old friend: dynamic tubular vacuoles radiate through the cortical cytoplasm of red onion epidermal cells. Plant Cell Physiology 50(10): 1826-1839. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/pcp/pcp124. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A., Gebbie, L., Howles, P.A., Hurley, U.A., Birch, R.C., Cork, A.C., Hocart, C., Arioli, T. and Williamson, R.E. (2008) Arabidopsis dynamin-like protein DRP1A: a null mutant with widespread defects in endocytosis, cellulose synthesis, cytokinesis, and cell expansion. Journal of Experimental Botany 59(2): 361-376. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erm324. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A. (2008) Crossed-wires: Interactions and Cross-Talk Between the Microtubule and Microfilament Networks in Plants. In P. Nick (Ed.), Plant Microtubules: Development and Flexibility: 47-79. Berlin: Springer-Verlag. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/7089_2007_146. (Chapter in Book)
  • Sainsbury, F., Collings, D.A., Mackun, K., Gardiner, J., Harper, J.D.I. and Marc, J. (2008) Developmental reorientation of transverse cortical microtubules to longitudinal directions: a role for actomyosin-based streaming and partial microtubule-membrane detachment. The Plant Journal 56(1): 116-131. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2008.03574.. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A. and Harper, J.D.I. (2008) Peroxisome Aggregation During Cytokinesis in Different Angiosperm Taxa. International Journal of Plant Sciences 169(2): 241-252. http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/523965. (Journal Article)
  • Wasteneys, G.O. and Collings, D.A. (2007) The cytoskeleton and co-ordination of directional expansion in a multicellular context. In J.P. Verbelen and K. Vissenberg (Ed.), The Expanding Cell: 217-248. Berlin: Springer-Verlag. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/7089_2006_077. (Chapter in Book)
  • Howles, P.A., Birch, R.C., Collings, D.A., Gebbie, L.K., Hurley, U.A., Hocart, C.H., Arioli, T. and Williamson, R.E. (2006) A mutation in an Arabidopsis ribose 5-phosphate isomerase reduces cellulose synthesis and is rescued by exogenous uridine. The Plant Journal 48(4): 608-618. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2006.02902.x. (Journal Article)
  • Gupton, S.L., Collings, D.A. and Allen, N.S. (2006) Endoplasmic reticulum targeted GFP reveals ER organization in tobacco NT-1 cells during cell division. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 44: 95-105. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2006.03.003. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A., Lill, A.W., Himmelspach, R. and Wasteneys, G.O. (2006) Hypersensitivity to cytoskeletal antagonists demonstrates microtubule–microfilament cross-talk in the control of root elongation in Arabidopsis thaliana. New Phytologist 170: 275-290. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2006.01671.x. (Journal Article)
  • Kawamura, E., Himmelspach, R., Rashbrooke, M.C., Whittington, A.T., Gale, K.R., Collings, D.A. and Wasteneys, G.O. (2006) MICROTUBULE ORGANIZATION 1 regulates structure and function of microtubule arrays during mitosis and cytokinesis in the Arabidopsis root. Plant Physiology 140(1): 102-114. http://dx.doi.org/10.1104/pp.105.069989. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A. and Wasteneys, G.O. (2005) Actin microfilament and microtubule distribution patterns in the expanding root of Arabidopsis thaliana. Canadian Journal of Botany 83: 579-590. DOI: 10.1139/B05-032. (Journal Article)
  • Wasteneys, G.O. and Collings, D.A. (2004) Expanding beyond the great divide: the cytoskeleton and axial growth. In Hussey, P.J. (Ed.), The Plant Cytoskeleton in Cell Differentiation and Development: 83-115. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, CRC Press. (Chapter in Book)
  • Allen, N.S., Chattaraj, P., Collings, D. and Johannes, E. (2003) Gravisensing: ionic responses, cytoskeleton and amyloplast behavior. Advances in Space Research 32: 1631-1637. DOI: lO.l016/SO273-1177(03)00492-7. (Journal Article)
  • Weerasinghe, R., Collings, D.A., Johannes, E. and Allen, N.S. (2003) Rhizobium meliloti Nod factors cause changes in the distribution of microtubules in of Medicago sativa root hairs. Planta 218: 276-287. DOI 10.1007/s00425-003-1097-1. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A., Vaughn, K.C. and Harper, J.D.I. (2003) The association of peroxisomes with the developing cell plate in dividing onion root cells depends on actin microfilaments and myosin. Planta 218: 204-216. DOI 10.1007/s00425-003-1096-2. (Journal Article)
  • Gardiner, J., Collings, D.A., Harper, J.D.I. and Marc, J. (2003) The role of phospholipase D in microtubule organisation and seedling development in arabidopsis. Plant and Cell Physiology 44: 687-696. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A., Harper, J.D.I., Marc, J., Overall, R.L. and Mullen, R. (2002) Life in the fast lane: actin-based motility of plant peroxisomes. Canadian Journal of Botany 80: 430-441. DOI: 10.1139/B02-036. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A. (2002) Mile high view of plant biology. Genome Biology 3: 4035.1-4035.3. (Journal Article)
  • Gardiner, J.C., Harper, J.D.I., Weerakoon, N.D., Collings, D.A., Ritchie, S., Gilroy, S., Cyr, R.J. and Marc, J. (2001) A 90-kD phospholipase D from tobacco binds to microtubules and the plasma membrane. Plant Cell 13: 2143-2158. (Journal Article)
  • Johannes, E., Rink, J.C., Collings, D.A. and Allen, N.S. (2001) Effect of gravity on cytoplasmic pH dynamics and plastid sedimentation in bundle sheath cells of maize pulvini. Plant Physiology 127: 119-130. (Journal Article)
  • Matsui, K., Collings, D. and Asada, T. (2001) Identification of a novel plant-specific kinesin-like protein that is highly expressed in interphase tobacco BY-2 cells. Protoplasma 215: 105-115. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A., Zsuppan, G., Allen, N.S. and Blancaflor, E.B. (2001) Prominent actin filaments in the root columella. Planta 212: 392-403. (Journal Article)
  • Kovar, D.R., Drøbak, B.K., Collings, D.A. and Staiger, C.J. (2001) The characterization of ligand-specific maize profilin mutants. Biochemical Journal 358: 49-57. (Journal Article)
  • Srinivasarao, M., Collings, D.A., Philips, A. and Patel, S. (2001) Three-dimensionally ordered array of air bubbles in a polymer film. Science 292: 79-83. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A. and Allen, N.S. (2000) Cortical actin in plants, and its interactions with the plasma membrane and microtubules. In Staiger, C.J., Baluska, F., Barlow P.W., and Volkmann, D. (Ed.), Actin: A Dynamic Framework For Multiple Plant Cell Functions: 145-163. Dordrecht: Kluwer. (Chapter in Book)
  • Collings, D.A., Carter, C.E., Rink, J.C., Scott, A.C., Wyatt, S.E. and Allen, N.S. (2000) Plant nuclei can contain extensive grooves and invaginations. Plant Cell 12: 2425-2440. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A. and Emons, A.M.C. (1999) Microtubule and actin filament organization during acentral divisions in potato suspension culture cells. Protoplasma 207: 158-168. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A., Asada, T. and Shibaoka, S. (1999) Plasma membrane ghosts form differently when produced from microtubule free tobacco BY-2 cells. Plant and Cell Physiology 40: 36-46. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A., Winter, H., Wyatt, S.E. and Allen, N.S. (1998) Growth dynamics and cytoskeleton organization during stem maturation and gravity-induced stem bending in Zea mays L.. Planta 207: 246-258. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A., Asada, T., Allen, N.S. and Shibaoka, S. (1998) Plasma membrane-associated actin in Bright Yellow 2 tobacco cells: Evidence for interaction with microtubules. Plant Physiology 118: 917-928. (Journal Article)
  • Asada, T. and Collings, D. (1997) Molecular motors in higher plants.. Trends in Plant Science 2: 29-36. (Journal Article)
  • Wasteneys, G.O., Collings, D.A., Menzel, D., Gunning, B.E.S. and Hepler, P.K. (1996) Actin distribution in the characean internode; microinjection of living cells with FITC-phalloidin and improved microinjection procedures.. Protoplasma 190: 25-38. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A., Wasteneys, G.O.and Williamson. and R.E. (1996) Microtubule / actin interactions in the alga Nitella: analysis of the mechanism by which microtubule depolymerization potentiates cytochalasin's effects on streaming.. Protoplasma 191: 178-190. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A., Wasteneys, G.O.and Williamson. and R.E. (1995) Cytochalasin rearranges cortical actin of the alga Nitella into short, stable rods.. Plant and Cell Physiology 36: 765-772. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A., Wasteneys, G.O., Miyazaki, M. and Williamson, R.E. (1994) Elongation factor 1a is a component of the subcortical actin bundles of Nitella pseudoflabellata. Cell Biology International 18: 1019-1024. (Journal Article)
  • Collings, D.A., White, R.G. and Overall, R.L. (1992) Ionic current changes associated with the gravity-induced bending response in Zea mays L.. Plant Physiology 100: 1417-1426. (Journal Article)
  • Foley, C.P., Collings, A.F., Collings, D.A., Hewitt, G. and Mai, Y.W. (1991) Selective redistribution and alignment of glassy metal reinforcement in complex moulded shapes. ournal of Materials Science Letters 10: 939-942. (Journal Article)