Regulation of 3D Cell Migration by Microtubule-Dependent Processes. The overarching aim of this research is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that cells use to move in 3D environments: a basic biological function essential to development and homeostasis. During these processes, cells interact with their surroundings where they translate biophysical forces into biochemical signals to adapt their shape to move. This requires distinct signalling, controlled in space and time, to regulate the cr ....Regulation of 3D Cell Migration by Microtubule-Dependent Processes. The overarching aim of this research is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that cells use to move in 3D environments: a basic biological function essential to development and homeostasis. During these processes, cells interact with their surroundings where they translate biophysical forces into biochemical signals to adapt their shape to move. This requires distinct signalling, controlled in space and time, to regulate the crosstalk between organelles and the cytoskeleton. To date, the role of microtubules remains elusive. Using interdisciplinary approaches combining advanced imaging technology with novel cell biology methods, the project aims to uncover fundamental knowledge about how cells interact with their environment.Read moreRead less
Tuning Molecular Translocaton by Close-Field Electroporation. This project aims to determine the underlying mechanisms by which DNA and other molecules are able to migrate across the cell membrane in response to highly localised electric fields. It has recently been shown that focusing of electric fields at the cellular level, using an array of small electrodes, results in unexpectedly high cell transfection efficiencies. It has been termed 'close-field electroporation'. Here it is proposed t ....Tuning Molecular Translocaton by Close-Field Electroporation. This project aims to determine the underlying mechanisms by which DNA and other molecules are able to migrate across the cell membrane in response to highly localised electric fields. It has recently been shown that focusing of electric fields at the cellular level, using an array of small electrodes, results in unexpectedly high cell transfection efficiencies. It has been termed 'close-field electroporation'. Here it is proposed to establish the properties of the electric fields around cells and cell membrane interactions with these fields that enable molecular translocation. This fundamental science could have broad implications in the domains of drug delivery, gene therapy and neural stimulation.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160100620
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$378,000.00
Summary
Mechanisms of controlled gene expression in cells and organisms. The goal of this project is to reveal the nature of a cellular mechanism that has a major influence on gene expression in all eukaryotic cells. How gene expression is controlled is of fundamental importance to all life forms. The project plans to develop molecular tools that enable the visualisation and interrogation of this gene regulatory mechanism in live cells, tissues and whole organisms. The outcomes are anticipated to lead t ....Mechanisms of controlled gene expression in cells and organisms. The goal of this project is to reveal the nature of a cellular mechanism that has a major influence on gene expression in all eukaryotic cells. How gene expression is controlled is of fundamental importance to all life forms. The project plans to develop molecular tools that enable the visualisation and interrogation of this gene regulatory mechanism in live cells, tissues and whole organisms. The outcomes are anticipated to lead to an essential understanding of how cells respond to physiological and environmental cues by coordinating changes in gene expression, and to provide potential avenues towards manipulation for pharmaceutical, agricultural and biotechnology purposes.Read moreRead less
Novel tools and nanotechnology to navigate intracellular trafficking. This project aims to investigate how material accesses different compartments inside cells, also known as trafficking. Using immunology, cell biology and nanotechnology, the project will manipulate intracellular trafficking to achieve specific cellular functions. Outcomes will also form the basis of intellectual property development for new products by Australian biotechnology companies. These products will improve veterinary ....Novel tools and nanotechnology to navigate intracellular trafficking. This project aims to investigate how material accesses different compartments inside cells, also known as trafficking. Using immunology, cell biology and nanotechnology, the project will manipulate intracellular trafficking to achieve specific cellular functions. Outcomes will also form the basis of intellectual property development for new products by Australian biotechnology companies. These products will improve veterinary and human health services, leading to increased productivity.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130101458
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Investigation and development of biological anti-adhesive coatings. Lubricin is a biological anti-adhesive protein that is found in mammalian joints. This project will investigate the properties and action of Lubricin and develop novel anti-adhesive coating technologies to eliminate problems associated with non-specific binding of biomolecules in microfluidic and biosensor applications.
Understanding platinum dissolution in biomedical stimulating electrodes. Platinum is the main material used in electrodes for neurostimulators like the cochlear implant. Platinum electrodes can experience dissolution during implantation, which can impact on their function. The mechanisms governing this dissolution process are complex and still not fully understood. This research aims to understand the chemical, electrical and biological factors that impact on platinum dissolution in electrodes. ....Understanding platinum dissolution in biomedical stimulating electrodes. Platinum is the main material used in electrodes for neurostimulators like the cochlear implant. Platinum electrodes can experience dissolution during implantation, which can impact on their function. The mechanisms governing this dissolution process are complex and still not fully understood. This research aims to understand the chemical, electrical and biological factors that impact on platinum dissolution in electrodes. It will also develop new 3D models to simulate conditions in the human body for more rapid testing of electrodes. The new knowledge generated will improve the accuracy of predictions of platinum dissolution, develop new approaches for minimising dissolution, and contribute to reducing need for animal experimentation.Read moreRead less
How filopodia connect macrophages to the outside world. Fundamental to life is the ability of cells to sense their surroundings and respond accordingly. This project aims to generate a biological understanding of how certain immune cells carry out such processes, thus enabling them to combat infections.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100146
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,000.00
Summary
Multiphoton confocal microscope for high-speed, deep tissue imaging and multimodal nanoscale characterisation. This facility will provide the ability to optically section deep nanoparticles, cells, tissues and whole animals at high speed with unsurpassed spatial resolution at the atomic level. It will give biomedical, physical and life scientists and materials engineers the opportunity to image a range of dynamic processes and reconstruct these in three dimensions for the first time.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE150100100
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$440,000.00
Summary
Cytometer by Time of Flight (CyTOF): A New Paradigm in Cytometry. Cytometer by Time of Flight (CyTOF) - a new paradigm in cytometry: The acquisition of a Cytometer by Time of Flight will allow multiparametric characterisation of biological systems and quantitative analysis of nano-bio interactions at the single cell level. The convergence of nanotechnology with biomedicine offers unprecedented opportunities for biological applications, including targeted therapeutics. One of the major challenges ....Cytometer by Time of Flight (CyTOF): A New Paradigm in Cytometry. Cytometer by Time of Flight (CyTOF) - a new paradigm in cytometry: The acquisition of a Cytometer by Time of Flight will allow multiparametric characterisation of biological systems and quantitative analysis of nano-bio interactions at the single cell level. The convergence of nanotechnology with biomedicine offers unprecedented opportunities for biological applications, including targeted therapeutics. One of the major challenges lies in understanding the complex interactions between nanoengineered materials and biological systems.Read moreRead less
Microglia and the inflammation spectrum - not just good or bad. Cell-mediated tissue clearance following brain injury is a universal mechanism. However, our understanding of the cells that perform these tasks is very limited. Our project will characterise this inflammatory response at a single-cell level using the zebrafish spinal cord as a versatile experimental model. The project is expected to strongly contribute to the molecular understanding of the mechanisms underlying debris removal and w ....Microglia and the inflammation spectrum - not just good or bad. Cell-mediated tissue clearance following brain injury is a universal mechanism. However, our understanding of the cells that perform these tasks is very limited. Our project will characterise this inflammatory response at a single-cell level using the zebrafish spinal cord as a versatile experimental model. The project is expected to strongly contribute to the molecular understanding of the mechanisms underlying debris removal and will advance innovative technologies that facilitate intellectual progress in neuroscience. It will produce new insights into the process of neuronal degeneration, promote Australia’s growing reputation as a global leader in neuroscience, and provide high quality training for early career researchers.Read moreRead less