This program of research is firmly focussed on the basic mechanisms involved in normal functioning of cells and tissues, followed by a step by step process to understand the abnormal or the diseased. The disease states we are investigating involve the blood and blood vessels, and when there is malfunction it may contribute to conditions as diverse as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, inflammation and cancer. The program thus addresses the fundamentals of diseases which are responsible for most deaths ....This program of research is firmly focussed on the basic mechanisms involved in normal functioning of cells and tissues, followed by a step by step process to understand the abnormal or the diseased. The disease states we are investigating involve the blood and blood vessels, and when there is malfunction it may contribute to conditions as diverse as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, inflammation and cancer. The program thus addresses the fundamentals of diseases which are responsible for most deaths in our society. We will use technology which is proven to provide precise information, the molecular and biochemical processes responsible for cell function (or malfunction). However in each individual project there will be a clear path to a clinical use, diagnostic or therapeutic. Indeed in a number of the components of the program there are already potential treatments and diagnostics in development and trial.Read moreRead less
New methods for structure analysis of proteins and protein interactions. This project will advance nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technologies pioneered at the Australian National University which employ site-specific attachment of paramagnetic metal tags to proteins. A new and diverse set of strategies will dramatically extend the range of applications to targets of interest in the fight against cancer and bacterial infections.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0883032
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,300,000.00
Summary
800 MHz NMR spectrometer for biomolecular structure-function analysis. An understanding of how organisms function at the molecular level is central to developing the ability to fight many diseases in a rational way. This equipment will provide the capability for many different laboratories around NSW and the ACT to advance our knowledge at this fundamental level, primarily by examining the structures and functions of biomolecules such as proteins.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0561173
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$207,189.00
Summary
High throughput proteomics - Thermo Finnigan ProteomeX LCQ Integrated Proteomics Workstation. As research in the biological sciences moves into post-genomics era, so attention has focused on the development of technologies capable of characterizing the molecular complexity inherent in the proteome. Recent technical innovations in this field have resulted in the advancement of mass spectrometers that are capable of exemplifying unknown proteins with great efficiency. These new technologies are ....High throughput proteomics - Thermo Finnigan ProteomeX LCQ Integrated Proteomics Workstation. As research in the biological sciences moves into post-genomics era, so attention has focused on the development of technologies capable of characterizing the molecular complexity inherent in the proteome. Recent technical innovations in this field have resulted in the advancement of mass spectrometers that are capable of exemplifying unknown proteins with great efficiency. These new technologies are central to any institution committed to the development of a competitive research nexus in biological sciences. The purpose of this application is to upgrade the mass spectrometry facility at the University of Newcastle such that it is able to provide cutting edge support to the extensive scientific community within the Hunter region.Read moreRead less
Protein degradation in mammals. One mechanism by which the regulation of protein turnover occurs is the balance between the activity of enzymes responsible for the ubiquitination and deubiquitination of target proteins. The majority of targets of this second family of enzymes are unknown. This project proposes a method for the identification of the targets of two specific mammalian deubiquitinating enzymes in order to understand their function and to begin to explore this new research field. ....Protein degradation in mammals. One mechanism by which the regulation of protein turnover occurs is the balance between the activity of enzymes responsible for the ubiquitination and deubiquitination of target proteins. The majority of targets of this second family of enzymes are unknown. This project proposes a method for the identification of the targets of two specific mammalian deubiquitinating enzymes in order to understand their function and to begin to explore this new research field. Knowledge about this new aspect of protein degradation could provide a powerful tool to test the effect of the stabilisation or removal of specific proteins in the cell and also to develop new technologies in protein production.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120101550
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Understanding multidrug resistance: identifying the molecular basis of substrate and inhibitor transport by P-glycoprotein. Chemotherapy resistance causes 90 per cent of cancer deaths and is commonly triggered by the increased activity of P-glycoprotein, which controls the cellular clearance of drugs. This project will determine how P-glycoprotein recognises and transports drugs, essential knowledge for the design of anticancer agents that can stop chemotherapy resistance.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100078
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,000.00
Summary
Establishment of a comprehensive regional biophysical analysis facility. Interactions between molecules are needed for cells to function correctly. This facility will permit comprehensive molecular characterisation as well as research into the fundamentals of how molecules interact.