Drosophila Quantitative Genomics. This research proposal will be a key element in the emerging program in evolutionary and ecological functional genomics at the University of Queensland. Our studies utilize modern genomics approaches to address diverse national priorities from conservation of biological resources in the face of climate change, to understanding how genetic history contributes to drug susceptibility. The research will contribute to the intellectual foundation upon which rigorous ....Drosophila Quantitative Genomics. This research proposal will be a key element in the emerging program in evolutionary and ecological functional genomics at the University of Queensland. Our studies utilize modern genomics approaches to address diverse national priorities from conservation of biological resources in the face of climate change, to understanding how genetic history contributes to drug susceptibility. The research will contribute to the intellectual foundation upon which rigorous environmental and biomedical research is built. Social impact will be seen in the training of a new generation of integrative genome biologists, and the shaping of attitudes toward the role of genetics in human biology.Read moreRead less
Early life overfeeding - mechanisms for programming obesity and long-term immune dysfunction. Early life overfeeding can lead to obesity and related changes in adulthood. With this study we will discover how overfeeding can permanently alter an animal's development so that its body weight and immune functions are dysregulated. The outcomes will facilitate appropriate design of animal experiments considering the impact of neonatal programming. They will also contribute to more efficient feeding p ....Early life overfeeding - mechanisms for programming obesity and long-term immune dysfunction. Early life overfeeding can lead to obesity and related changes in adulthood. With this study we will discover how overfeeding can permanently alter an animal's development so that its body weight and immune functions are dysregulated. The outcomes will facilitate appropriate design of animal experiments considering the impact of neonatal programming. They will also contribute to more efficient feeding protocols for meat production in agriculture and identify targets for risk management and for preventing and ameliorating early life overfeeding effects in humans. This investigation therefore has clear benefits to the social, economic, and health aspects of obesity and to basic science and agriculture.Read moreRead less
Regulation of ion homeostasis by two-component signalling elements. Dryland salinity is continuously claiming Australian lands and is a serious threat to our agricultural industry, native flora and fauna, and infrastructure. Attempting to feed an increasing population whilst agricultural land is disappearing, places an ever-increasing burden on our remaining land. While there is no simple solution to this problem, understanding how plants regulate cellular ion concentrations will help to generat ....Regulation of ion homeostasis by two-component signalling elements. Dryland salinity is continuously claiming Australian lands and is a serious threat to our agricultural industry, native flora and fauna, and infrastructure. Attempting to feed an increasing population whilst agricultural land is disappearing, places an ever-increasing burden on our remaining land. While there is no simple solution to this problem, understanding how plants regulate cellular ion concentrations will help to generate plants that are suitable for restoration of damaged lands or crop plants that are more tolerant to saline soils. Furthermore, knowledge acquired from the proposed project will also be useful for generating healthier crop plants with enhanced levels of ions essential for the human diet. Read moreRead less
The role of omega-3 fatty acids in brain mechanisms that regulate water and salt balance. The ability of mammals to survive is heavily dependent upon their ability to maintain body fluid balance. This project aims to elucidate brain mechanisms for the behavioural regulation of water and salt balance, with specific investigation of the role of dietary fatty acids within these processes. It is hypothesised that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) affect intake of water and salt by affecti ....The role of omega-3 fatty acids in brain mechanisms that regulate water and salt balance. The ability of mammals to survive is heavily dependent upon their ability to maintain body fluid balance. This project aims to elucidate brain mechanisms for the behavioural regulation of water and salt balance, with specific investigation of the role of dietary fatty acids within these processes. It is hypothesised that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) affect intake of water and salt by affecting the sensitivity of various receptors, or the hormones used by this body system. Omega-3 PUFA are known to play a role in regulating genes, and therefore, may also affect the production of key proteins, such as receptors, hormones or enzymes involved in the regulation of salt and water intake.Read moreRead less