Genes to phenotype: Exploiting the marsupial model. This research will exploit one of Australia's finest natural resources, its marsupial fauna. The features of marsupial reproduction and development provide a unique opportunity to answer fundamental biological questions. This research will show how the minor differences in key developmental genes that have arisen in their 100 million year isolation give rise to the characteristic differences in developmental timing and reproduction between mar ....Genes to phenotype: Exploiting the marsupial model. This research will exploit one of Australia's finest natural resources, its marsupial fauna. The features of marsupial reproduction and development provide a unique opportunity to answer fundamental biological questions. This research will show how the minor differences in key developmental genes that have arisen in their 100 million year isolation give rise to the characteristic differences in developmental timing and reproduction between marsupials and other mammals. The focus on reproduction and development will also provide invaluable knowledge to underpin efforts to conserve our endangered species and to control those that are overabundant.Read moreRead less
Role of an ancient genetic program in the elaboration of plant architecture. This proposal will reveal how plant architecture is controlled by genes. Ultimately it will help us manipulate plant form tailored for Australia's crops, pastures and plantations. Potential benefits include larger leaves, more fruits and seeds, and timbers with new properties. As a young researcher I bring a strong and growing international reputation in plant molecular developmental genetics with world-wide collaborati ....Role of an ancient genetic program in the elaboration of plant architecture. This proposal will reveal how plant architecture is controlled by genes. Ultimately it will help us manipulate plant form tailored for Australia's crops, pastures and plantations. Potential benefits include larger leaves, more fruits and seeds, and timbers with new properties. As a young researcher I bring a strong and growing international reputation in plant molecular developmental genetics with world-wide collaborations to build a focus of excellence in Australian plant development research.
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Molecular control of apoptosis and protein homeostasis. A million cells are produced every second by cell division. At the same time a million cells commit suicide by a process called apoptosis. When cells fail to die when they should they can develop into cancers. In heart attacks, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, many cells appear to activate their self destruct mechanism to die unnecessarily. Drugs that can cause cancer cells to kill themselves, or drugs that prevent cells dying when th ....Molecular control of apoptosis and protein homeostasis. A million cells are produced every second by cell division. At the same time a million cells commit suicide by a process called apoptosis. When cells fail to die when they should they can develop into cancers. In heart attacks, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, many cells appear to activate their self destruct mechanism to die unnecessarily. Drugs that can cause cancer cells to kill themselves, or drugs that prevent cells dying when they shouldn't, would make a major impact on many important diseases. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of cell death is the first step towards developing these drugs.Read moreRead less