Functional Genomic Analysis of Exported DNAJ Molecules in the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria is not only a global health problem, but also affects countries surrounding Australia like PNG and Indonesia, reducing the region's stability and prosperity. Environmental changes and increased mobility of people (eg. aid and security personnel) make Australia itself more prone to malaria. The project will translate recent genomic data into functional insights using frontier technology t ....Functional Genomic Analysis of Exported DNAJ Molecules in the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria is not only a global health problem, but also affects countries surrounding Australia like PNG and Indonesia, reducing the region's stability and prosperity. Environmental changes and increased mobility of people (eg. aid and security personnel) make Australia itself more prone to malaria. The project will translate recent genomic data into functional insights using frontier technology to identify new intervention targets for P. falciparum infection. Developing novel targets is mandated by humanity, and also to safeguard Australia's region against the social and economical implication of this disease. An Australian developed intervention would increase the global visibility of its science, leading to increased investments.Read moreRead less
Biogenesis of red blood cell membrane modifications by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria is not only a major global health problem, but also affects countries neighbouring Australia like Indonesia, reducing the region's stability and prosperity. Environmental changes and increased mobility of people (aid and military personnel) make Australia itself more prone to malaria. The project will translate recent genomic data into functional insights using frontier technology to identi ....Biogenesis of red blood cell membrane modifications by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria is not only a major global health problem, but also affects countries neighbouring Australia like Indonesia, reducing the region's stability and prosperity. Environmental changes and increased mobility of people (aid and military personnel) make Australia itself more prone to malaria. The project will translate recent genomic data into functional insights using frontier technology to identify new intervention targets for Plasmodium falciparum infection. Developing novel targets is mandated by humanity, but also to safeguard Australia's region against the social and economic implications of this disease. An Australian developed intervention would increase the global visibility of its science, leading to increased investments.Read moreRead less
Examination of the Calcium Signalling Dynamics Linked to Integrin Adhesion Utilising a Novel Micro-imaging System. This study aims at increasing our understanding of the fundamental cell processes that allow cells to adhere to surfaces. The proposed study will lead to a greater understanding of the calcium signalling mechanisms that are fundamental to diverse biological phenomena such as, tissue regeneration and repair, blood clotting, cancer metastasis, and neuronal cell function. From a preven ....Examination of the Calcium Signalling Dynamics Linked to Integrin Adhesion Utilising a Novel Micro-imaging System. This study aims at increasing our understanding of the fundamental cell processes that allow cells to adhere to surfaces. The proposed study will lead to a greater understanding of the calcium signalling mechanisms that are fundamental to diverse biological phenomena such as, tissue regeneration and repair, blood clotting, cancer metastasis, and neuronal cell function. From a preventative health perspective, the investigation of platelet calcium signalling will greatly accelerate the development of new pharmaceuticals to tackle acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, heart attack and artherosclerosis. Read moreRead less
Why is the photosynthetic CO2-fixing enzyme, Rubisco, so inefficient? Dissection of the catalytic chemistry by computational simulation and experimental testing. Fixation of CO2 by the enzyme Rubisco during photosynthesis produces organic compounds which feed all life. Despite this critical role, Rubisco catalyses its reaction sluggishly and, worse, discriminates poorly between CO2 and O2, leading to useless products. Our combined expertise equips us to analyse Rubisco's mechanism using quantum- ....Why is the photosynthetic CO2-fixing enzyme, Rubisco, so inefficient? Dissection of the catalytic chemistry by computational simulation and experimental testing. Fixation of CO2 by the enzyme Rubisco during photosynthesis produces organic compounds which feed all life. Despite this critical role, Rubisco catalyses its reaction sluggishly and, worse, discriminates poorly between CO2 and O2, leading to useless products. Our combined expertise equips us to analyse Rubisco's mechanism using quantum-chemical methods and then test predictions experimentally. We will capitalise on our previous successful studies of Rubisco by addressing emergent issues which are the keys to understanding catalytic efficiency and CO2/O2 selectivity: the roles of a carbamylated lysine; the way CO2 addition is rendered irreversible; and the spin inversion inherent in O2 addition.Read moreRead less
Control of developmental switches by importin 5. Aims: This project will study a key molecular switch called IPO5, a protein that is required for cells and organs to form and function normally, and it will reveal how it works.
Significance: These experiments will provide the first complete description of how this molecular switch controls the behaviour of a cell across its lifespan. IPO5 is highly conserved, so these studies will be relevant to a wide range of animals.
Expected Outcomes: This k ....Control of developmental switches by importin 5. Aims: This project will study a key molecular switch called IPO5, a protein that is required for cells and organs to form and function normally, and it will reveal how it works.
Significance: These experiments will provide the first complete description of how this molecular switch controls the behaviour of a cell across its lifespan. IPO5 is highly conserved, so these studies will be relevant to a wide range of animals.
Expected Outcomes: This knowledge will reveal how IPO5 controls formation of sperm by revealing what other proteins it binds to and how this affects cell signaling and responses to the environment.
Benefits: This will provide information about potential interventions to control fertility or to repair abnormal cells.
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ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology. We propose a novel approach to improve sustainable yield by optimising the overall efficiency of energy capture, conversion and use by plants. Efficiency gains in metabolism, transport, and development will be more effective than optimising single nutrient inputs or product outputs. Improving multiple parameters simultaneously is a necessary solution to the increasing demand for more crop yield from finite land, water, and nutrient resources. Unp ....ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology. We propose a novel approach to improve sustainable yield by optimising the overall efficiency of energy capture, conversion and use by plants. Efficiency gains in metabolism, transport, and development will be more effective than optimising single nutrient inputs or product outputs. Improving multiple parameters simultaneously is a necessary solution to the increasing demand for more crop yield from finite land, water, and nutrient resources. Unpredictable environmental challenges adversely affect plant growth and further perturb plant energy balance, limiting yield. The epigenetic controls, gene variants and signals discovered will provide a new basis for sustainable productivity of crops and will future-proof plants in changing climates.Read moreRead less
Biogenesis of the relict plastid of Apicomplexan parasites: the role of a dynamin-related protein in apicoplast division. The Apicomplexa are a group of intracellular parasites that cause several important diseases. Most Apicomplexa contain an organelle called the apicoplast that is indispensable for their survival and that can only form through the division of pre-existing apicoplasts. This project will examine the molecular mechanisms of how this process occurs.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE210100011
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$900,000.00
Summary
Integrated Multimodal System for Multiplexed Imaging of Signal Transduction. This project will introduce a unique microscopy platform and associated technologies into the Australian research environment that will enable researchers to redefine our understanding of molecular signal transduction. The instrumentation will enable the multidimensional imaging of live cells with unprecendented speed and sensitivity. The featured imaging modalities will enable the integration of distinct biological, ....Integrated Multimodal System for Multiplexed Imaging of Signal Transduction. This project will introduce a unique microscopy platform and associated technologies into the Australian research environment that will enable researchers to redefine our understanding of molecular signal transduction. The instrumentation will enable the multidimensional imaging of live cells with unprecendented speed and sensitivity. The featured imaging modalities will enable the integration of distinct biological, biochemical and chemical probes with a focus on minimizing phototoxicity. Expected outcomes include new fundamental knowledge on molecular signal transduction and cell heterogeneity; development of novel probes and methodologies and the development of new and existing interdisciplinary research collaborations. Read moreRead less
Composition, assembly and functions of the pellicle of apicomplexan parasites: a structure pivotal to disease transmission and progression. Apicomplexan parasites are successful agents of disease (e.g. malaria) due to their superb ability to quickly invade host cells and generate many more parasites. This project will study the dedicated structures beneath the parasite cell covering that are responsible for these abilities to help refine strategies for combating apicomplexan diseases.