The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) invites you to participate in a short survey about your
interaction with the ARDC and use of our national research infrastructure and services. The survey will take
approximately 5 minutes and is anonymous. It’s open to anyone who uses our digital research infrastructure
services including Reasearch Link Australia.
We will use the information you provide to improve the national research infrastructure and services we
deliver and to report on user satisfaction to the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research
Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) program.
Please take a few minutes to provide your input. The survey closes COB Friday 29 May 2026.
Complete the 5 min survey now by clicking on the link below.
Our current understanding of cellular signalling and disease is based on ensemble measurements over a cellular or molecular population. While these measurements have provided valuable information on the molecular circuitry required for cellular function, there is a lack of detail on the spatio-temporal dynamics of signal initiation and propagation at the single molecule and single cellular level. Single particle (molecule or cell) approaches offer the advantage of being able to detect individual ....Our current understanding of cellular signalling and disease is based on ensemble measurements over a cellular or molecular population. While these measurements have provided valuable information on the molecular circuitry required for cellular function, there is a lack of detail on the spatio-temporal dynamics of signal initiation and propagation at the single molecule and single cellular level. Single particle (molecule or cell) approaches offer the advantage of being able to detect individual processes including rare events that would be lost in an ensemble measurement. Moreover single particle approaches provide dynamic-kinetic information that does not rely on synchronising a population of molecules or cells. In this proposal we aim to build on our combined expertise in EGF-EGFR signalling, biophysics, biosensors, quantum dot nanotechnology and single molecule spectroscopy to learn more about how EGFR cellular signalling works and how it is impaired in cancer. This project will provide basic information that could lead to the design of more effective drugs directed agaisnt this therapeutic target.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Role And Mechanism Of Interaction Of Small Heat-shock Proteins In Age-related Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$270,827.00
Summary
Protein precipitation is associated with a diversity of age-related diseases such as cataract and Alzheimer's. Within cells, a group of chaperones called the small heat-shock proteins (sHSPs) function by binding to destabilized proteins, however, common in vivo modifications can disrupt their cellular role leading to co-aggregation in a number of age-related diseases. This study will use state of the art mass spectrometry to examine the mechanism by which sHSPs interact with client proteins.
Oxidation Of Arterial Extracellular Matrix By Myeloperoxidase-derived Oxidants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$183,266.00
Summary
It is well established that changes occur in the composition and nature of the extracellular matrix present in the artery wall during the development of atherosclerosis. The changes that occur in this matrix affect both the mechanical and physical properties of the arterial wall (e.g. its ability to cope with the high pressures genrated by the pumping of blood from the heart) and the adhesion of cells. It is well established that certain key cell types do not adhere well, or grow properly, on al ....It is well established that changes occur in the composition and nature of the extracellular matrix present in the artery wall during the development of atherosclerosis. The changes that occur in this matrix affect both the mechanical and physical properties of the arterial wall (e.g. its ability to cope with the high pressures genrated by the pumping of blood from the heart) and the adhesion of cells. It is well established that certain key cell types do not adhere well, or grow properly, on altered or damaged matrix and this can result in either the loss of key cell types from the artery wall (e.g. loss of endothelial cells) and - or the proliferation and invasion of cells from other sources (e.g. smooth muscle cell invasion into the intimal space). There is circumstantial evidence that some of these changes occur via the formation of oxidants by the heme enzyme myeloperoxidase which is released from activated white cells. In this study we will employ recently developed analytical techniques to examine the nature of the alterations that are present in atherosclerotic plaques in comparison to normal human artery samples, and investigate the mechanisms by which such alterations arise. We will seek evidence for, or against, the involvement of myeloperoxidase-derived oxidants in the observed changes using specific markers which we have developed for the presence of such damage. This information will allow the rational design of strategies to interfere with the progression of atherosclerosis, which is the major killer of Australians.Read moreRead less
Identification Of Biomarkers For Alzheimers Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$607,489.00
Summary
Alzheimer's disease is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disease, and the most common cause of dementia. It is estimated that 212,000 Australians suffer from dementia and this will rise to approximately 730,000 by 2050. Currently there are no definitive diagnostic methods for AD. The research described in this application seeks to identify and validate a range of biomarkers identified in the blood of patients that would be suitable to use for diagnostic purposes.
Identifying The Targets Of Myeloperoxidase-derived Oxidants In Plasma And Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$237,258.00
Summary
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a haem enzyme, released by activated white blood cells, that catalyses the production of highly damaging chlorinated oxidants. These oxidants are known to play a major role in the human immune system by killing bacteria and other invading pathogens. However, excessive or misplaced generation of these oxidants results in tissue damage. This damage has been implicated in development of disease. For example, there is strong evidence for the involvement of MPO, and the oxida ....Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a haem enzyme, released by activated white blood cells, that catalyses the production of highly damaging chlorinated oxidants. These oxidants are known to play a major role in the human immune system by killing bacteria and other invading pathogens. However, excessive or misplaced generation of these oxidants results in tissue damage. This damage has been implicated in development of disease. For example, there is strong evidence for the involvement of MPO, and the oxidants that it produces, in atherosclerosis. This disease is responsible for the death of around 40 % of the Australian population. There is no doubt that the oxidants produced by MPO cause major damage to tissues and extensive cell death. However, the mechanisms involved in this process remain to be established, due to a lack of sensitive and specific techniques for examining oxidant-mediated damage to individual target molecules. This study will identify the key targets of MPO-derived oxidants in plasma and cells using novel labelling techniques. This will provide valuable information about the mechanisms of oxidative damage and cytotoxicity. This will be important in the design of potential therapeutic agents to modulate and prevent the progression of degenerative diseases, such as atherosclerosis, that are linked with MPO.Read moreRead less