Left-right patterning of the heart. This project aims to investigate how the heart responds to left-right (LR) signals, which tissue is dominant in this response; determine tissue intrinsic factors at play, and determine whether we can manipulate this. Expected outcomes include fundamental information about how organs are patterned.
Genetic analysis of lymphatic vascular development. This project investigates the fundamental molecular components that regulate lymphatic vascular system development in the zebrafish embryo. Lymphatic vessels play critical roles in vascular diseases and cancer metastasis. This study will identify and examine key new molecules that will further our basic understanding of lymphatic development.
The molecular control of lymphatic vascular differentiation. This project aims to improve our understanding of how a new vascular system forms and the molecules that control this process. Lymphatic vasculature plays roles in fluid drainage, inflammation, obesity, metastasis and tissue repair, yet we cannot readily promote or inhibit lymphatic vessel formation. This project aims to build new knowledge that is expected to improve our ability to generate lymphatic vessels for stem cell application ....The molecular control of lymphatic vascular differentiation. This project aims to improve our understanding of how a new vascular system forms and the molecules that control this process. Lymphatic vasculature plays roles in fluid drainage, inflammation, obesity, metastasis and tissue repair, yet we cannot readily promote or inhibit lymphatic vessel formation. This project aims to build new knowledge that is expected to improve our ability to generate lymphatic vessels for stem cell applications, tissue engineering, tissue repair and regeneration. This project will use zebrafish embryos, new genomic datasets and novel tools to uncover the genetic control of this process, and should have implications in stem cell biology, tissue engineering, repair and regeneration.Read moreRead less
Pre-clinical evaluation of snake venom proteins with therapeutic potential. Australia harbors some of the most toxic snakes in the world. Their venoms contain a range of substances that are designed to rapidly immobilize and kill their prey. These include agents that lead to enhanced blood clotting; excess bleeding. We have isolated and characterized a large number of the components involved over the last several years. The aim here is to carry out pre-clinical trials in animal models to test th ....Pre-clinical evaluation of snake venom proteins with therapeutic potential. Australia harbors some of the most toxic snakes in the world. Their venoms contain a range of substances that are designed to rapidly immobilize and kill their prey. These include agents that lead to enhanced blood clotting; excess bleeding. We have isolated and characterized a large number of the components involved over the last several years. The aim here is to carry out pre-clinical trials in animal models to test the efficacy of three proteins as anti-bleeding agents and investigate several other novel components. The ultimate outcome will be the development of novel drugs that will have application in the treatment of human disorders. Read moreRead less
The function of menin in mammalian development. This project aims to determine the role of a ubiquitous transcriptional co-regulator, menin, in mammalian development. Mice that lack menin through targeted deletion of the gene die during embryogenesis, but the cause is unknown, although is likely to be due to the abnormal expression of genes usually regulated by this factor. We will determine which genes are inappropriately expressed and responsible for the accompanying developmental defects. Thi ....The function of menin in mammalian development. This project aims to determine the role of a ubiquitous transcriptional co-regulator, menin, in mammalian development. Mice that lack menin through targeted deletion of the gene die during embryogenesis, but the cause is unknown, although is likely to be due to the abnormal expression of genes usually regulated by this factor. We will determine which genes are inappropriately expressed and responsible for the accompanying developmental defects. This knowledge will help us understand the process of development in mammals, including birth defects in humans.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120102954
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Identifying and understanding the genetic regulators of cardiac development. The project aims to discover new genes involved in cardiac development so we can understand how to build a heart. Armed with this information, we can devise strategies for the repair of congenital and acquired heart disease.
Genetic dissection of cardiac morphogenesis. The human heart is critical for survival and yet, despite its importance, we still lack a basic understanding of how it forms. This project aims to discover new genes involved in cardiac development so we can understand how to build a heart. Armed with this information, this research will assist in devising strategies for the repair of congenital and acquired heart disease.
Understanding the differentiation of the endocardium. The project aims to understand the genetic regulation of endocardial development. The heart is essential for survival, its beat the indicator of life. The endocardium, the heart’s inner lining, is required for signalling during heart development and is a major component of the valves, septa and trabeculae. Despite its indispensable role, little is known about how it forms or develops. This project integrates two complementary approaches that ....Understanding the differentiation of the endocardium. The project aims to understand the genetic regulation of endocardial development. The heart is essential for survival, its beat the indicator of life. The endocardium, the heart’s inner lining, is required for signalling during heart development and is a major component of the valves, septa and trabeculae. Despite its indispensable role, little is known about how it forms or develops. This project integrates two complementary approaches that have identified the earliest marker of endocardial differentiation and devised the method to make endocardium from stem cells. Knowledge from this work will inform future research into growing and regenerating damaged tissue.Read moreRead less
A multi-model approach to characterise conserved regulators of lymphatic vascular development. Lymphatic vessels are important in a number of diseases affecting Australia. There is a significant gap in our basic knowledge of how lymphatic vessels form. This study will characterise key genes that control lymphatic development, providing a base of knowledge contributing to the promotion and maintenance of good health in Australia.