Structural and molecular studies of endocrine disruption in Australia fauna. Contamination of waterways with compounds that disrupt hormone (endocrine) function is a major environmental problem and threat to the health and fertility of animals. Specifically, we lack an understanding of how these potent endocrine disrupting compounds function in native species. Using an innovative combination of structural and molecular biology approaches we will elucidate the mechanisms of action of environmenta ....Structural and molecular studies of endocrine disruption in Australia fauna. Contamination of waterways with compounds that disrupt hormone (endocrine) function is a major environmental problem and threat to the health and fertility of animals. Specifically, we lack an understanding of how these potent endocrine disrupting compounds function in native species. Using an innovative combination of structural and molecular biology approaches we will elucidate the mechanisms of action of environmental endocrine disrupting compounds in native aquatic species - model fish and the platypus; and develop novel technologies for their detection. This work will provide an understanding of the environmental threat of these pollutants to our unique wildlife and will guide future waterway management. Read moreRead less
A macrophage-centric holistic view of postnatal development. The immediate postnatal period in mammals is crucial for survival, long term health and productivity. It is also a time when animals are especially susceptible to infectious disease. This project aims to investigate how cells of the innate immune system called macrophages control somatic growth and development of mature organ function in the early postnatal period. The project aims to build upon investment in new animal models and a no ....A macrophage-centric holistic view of postnatal development. The immediate postnatal period in mammals is crucial for survival, long term health and productivity. It is also a time when animals are especially susceptible to infectious disease. This project aims to investigate how cells of the innate immune system called macrophages control somatic growth and development of mature organ function in the early postnatal period. The project aims to build upon investment in new animal models and a novel discovery to generate significant new knowledge that challenges current concepts of mammalian growth control. The outcomes will enhance Australia's international reputation in the fields of physiology, immunology and developmental biology and may translate to improvements in health in animals and humans. Read moreRead less