Understanding lens aging: the molecular basis of presbyopia. Ageing has major consequences in the deterioration of vision, notably, the inability to focus on near objects. The understanding gained through this study of age-related lens changes may allow us to prescribe drugs or diets that alter lens properties and thus delay the need for glasses. This would have great benefits not just in decreased inconvenience of users, but also in cost to the middle-aged and elderly. In addition, data will b ....Understanding lens aging: the molecular basis of presbyopia. Ageing has major consequences in the deterioration of vision, notably, the inability to focus on near objects. The understanding gained through this study of age-related lens changes may allow us to prescribe drugs or diets that alter lens properties and thus delay the need for glasses. This would have great benefits not just in decreased inconvenience of users, but also in cost to the middle-aged and elderly. In addition, data will be used to underpin the development of a flexible intraocular lens (IOL). Hard IOLs are routinely inserted into human eyes following cataract surgery. In the future, flexible IOLs based on the properties of young lenses will be used, rather than reading glasses. This new industry could be based in Australia.Read moreRead less
Characterisation of a novel neural-specific ATPase in cholesterol transport. Ageing is determined by both genetic and metabolic factors. To a large part, the detailed mechanisms of ageing remain to be unexplored. Genetically, the timing of cell ageing entails the loss of telomeres (tips of chromosomes). However, the buildup of metabolic wastes resets the timing prematurely. Metabolic products accumulate from excess production or a shortfall of removal activity, which occurs in the various parts ....Characterisation of a novel neural-specific ATPase in cholesterol transport. Ageing is determined by both genetic and metabolic factors. To a large part, the detailed mechanisms of ageing remain to be unexplored. Genetically, the timing of cell ageing entails the loss of telomeres (tips of chromosomes). However, the buildup of metabolic wastes resets the timing prematurely. Metabolic products accumulate from excess production or a shortfall of removal activity, which occurs in the various parts of ageing cells in tissues such as brain. Traffic jams of cholesterol transport in the secretory pathway induce early ageing of the nerve cells. We investigate a novel mechanism controlling cholesterol transport in nerve cell ageing.Read moreRead less
A new model for secreton in epithelial cells. This proposal sets out to test a new model for secretion that we have developed in the light of recent experimental data. The project outcomes will advance our understanding of normal processes of secretion and may be important in understanding disease. We will develop cutting-edge techniques of microscopy which will place Australia at the forefront of this exciting field. The project will bring benefit to the Australian scientific community through ....A new model for secreton in epithelial cells. This proposal sets out to test a new model for secretion that we have developed in the light of recent experimental data. The project outcomes will advance our understanding of normal processes of secretion and may be important in understanding disease. We will develop cutting-edge techniques of microscopy which will place Australia at the forefront of this exciting field. The project will bring benefit to the Australian scientific community through interactions and collaborations with other scientists in Australia and internationally and will benefit early-career scientists, training them in novel methods and allowing them to develop their research expertise and profile and enabling them to compete on the world science stage. Read moreRead less