Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150100652
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,000.00
Summary
Regulation of organ size and stem cell hierarchy in the developing kidney. Transient stem/progenitor cell populations play essential roles in establishing organ systems. The balance between self-renewal and differentiation in the nephron progenitor population plays a major, but poorly understood, role in regulating kidney development. Factors produced by undifferentiated progenitors promote organ expansion, whereas differentiation of these cells builds functional capacity. What is not clear is h ....Regulation of organ size and stem cell hierarchy in the developing kidney. Transient stem/progenitor cell populations play essential roles in establishing organ systems. The balance between self-renewal and differentiation in the nephron progenitor population plays a major, but poorly understood, role in regulating kidney development. Factors produced by undifferentiated progenitors promote organ expansion, whereas differentiation of these cells builds functional capacity. What is not clear is how the balance between self-renewal and differentiation is regulated in these cells, nor how the control of this fate decision impacts on optimal organ development. This project aims to dissect the molecular identity, regulation, and influence of this stem cell population on kidney development.Read moreRead less
The cellular basis of branching morphogenesis during kidney development. This project aims to study the process of branching morphogenesis which drives the development of the kidney. Previous studies group have demonstrated, in general terms, how branching progresses during gestation. However, little is known about the fundamental cellular events which trigger or characterise this basic developmental process. This project expects to provide deep insights into the cellular basis of tissue and org ....The cellular basis of branching morphogenesis during kidney development. This project aims to study the process of branching morphogenesis which drives the development of the kidney. Previous studies group have demonstrated, in general terms, how branching progresses during gestation. However, little is known about the fundamental cellular events which trigger or characterise this basic developmental process. This project expects to provide deep insights into the cellular basis of tissue and organ development. In studying this process the project should provide critical insights into how cells act, individually and collectively, to build tissues.Read moreRead less
Molecular characterization of the role of menin in embryonic development. Menin is a protein that is necessary to prevent development of tumours. Deletion of menin in mice causes embryonic death. We think this is because menin is necessary in the placenta. This project will examine the role of menin in the fetus and the placenta, and provide information about how normal pregnancy and fetal growth is controlled.
Investigating spermatogonial stem cell allocation in the fetal testis. This project aims to determine when and how spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are specified, and whether a genetic pathway that is used by in vitro stem cells is also employed, in vivo, by testicular stem cells. The project aims to deliver insight into the mechanisms of adult stem cell specification and regulation, in general. Intended practical outcomes of this work will underpin new methods for fertility management in animal ....Investigating spermatogonial stem cell allocation in the fetal testis. This project aims to determine when and how spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are specified, and whether a genetic pathway that is used by in vitro stem cells is also employed, in vivo, by testicular stem cells. The project aims to deliver insight into the mechanisms of adult stem cell specification and regulation, in general. Intended practical outcomes of this work will underpin new methods for fertility management in animals (in agriculture and conservation of endangered species) and humans. Knowledge gained will inform our understanding of stem cell biology more broadly and guide efforts to treat infertility or control fertility in animals and humans.Read moreRead less
Developing the dunnart as a marsupial model for conservation research. The Australian bushfire crisis of 2020 has taken an enormous toll on our unique wildlife. With no halt in sight to rising global temperatures, more extreme weather events are predicted to increase in frequency and severity. We simply must act now to preserve our unique native mammals in Australia and safeguard against species loss and irreversible declines in genetic diversity. This project will develop methods for the genera ....Developing the dunnart as a marsupial model for conservation research. The Australian bushfire crisis of 2020 has taken an enormous toll on our unique wildlife. With no halt in sight to rising global temperatures, more extreme weather events are predicted to increase in frequency and severity. We simply must act now to preserve our unique native mammals in Australia and safeguard against species loss and irreversible declines in genetic diversity. This project will develop methods for the generation and preservation of stem cells from a range of our most endangered and vulnerable marsupial species. These cells not only allow us to ‘bank’ species and genetic diversity but also provide a route to enabling genetic manipulation, opening up a completely new niche for conservation biology in marsupials.Read moreRead less
Transitions between modes of sex-determination in a changing world. Sex-determination controls the largest variation within animals—the division into males and females. While the different systems of sex-determination—involving genetic or environmental control—are fairly well understood, transitions between these systems remain enigmatic in evolutionary biology. This project aims to address this gap by revealing the molecular change required to transition between systems, using one of only two k ....Transitions between modes of sex-determination in a changing world. Sex-determination controls the largest variation within animals—the division into males and females. While the different systems of sex-determination—involving genetic or environmental control—are fairly well understood, transitions between these systems remain enigmatic in evolutionary biology. This project aims to address this gap by revealing the molecular change required to transition between systems, using one of only two known lizard species exhibiting both genetic and temperature control of sex. This knowledge will have important implications for species conservation, facilitating predictions of highly biased sex ratios under climate change, plus potential commercial applications for species where production of one sex is favoured.Read moreRead less
Development of efficient CRISPR gene drives in mice. This project aims to generate new tools for vertebrate pest management through development of cutting-edge gene drive technology in mice. Vertebrate pests cost Australia over $1 billion each year in agricultural losses and environmental damage and novel strategies are required to tackle this challenge. Newly developed “gene drives”, which can rapidly spread through populations, have enormous potential for the sustained management and even erad ....Development of efficient CRISPR gene drives in mice. This project aims to generate new tools for vertebrate pest management through development of cutting-edge gene drive technology in mice. Vertebrate pests cost Australia over $1 billion each year in agricultural losses and environmental damage and novel strategies are required to tackle this challenge. Newly developed “gene drives”, which can rapidly spread through populations, have enormous potential for the sustained management and even eradication of pests. This project aims to develop gene drive technology in mice as a prototypical vertebrate pest species. The project will potentially deliver valuable tools that directly impact Australia’s Science and Research Priority on Food.Read moreRead less
Genetics Of Intersex: Antagonism Between Male And Female Pathways During Gonadal Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,760.00
Summary
Disorders of sex Development (DSD) are congenital conditions in which development of chromosomal, gonadal or anatomical sex is atypical. Estimates suggest that between 1-100 and 1-300 live birth have DSD; however, the underlying genetic defect is unknown in 80% of cases. Generally, the fate of the gonad, testis or ovary, is determined by the balanced action of male (SRY) and female (Wnt- b-catenin) genes. How do these genes oppose each other? Is this antagonism deregulated in DSD patients?
Understanding the evolution of the alternation of generations in the land plant life cycle. This project will investigate the genetic basis and evolution of the land plant life cycle, in which both haploid and diploid phases consist of complex multicellular bodies. The project's findings, which will be made using two model laboratory plants, will be applicable to all plants and will help understand important processes such as pollen and seed production.