Defining a role for non-coding RNAs in gonadal sex differentiation. This project aims to increase knowledge in the area of developmental biology, studying how gene regulation by so-called non-coding RNAs contributes to tissue patterning. The project plans to use a unique model system: gonadal development in the chicken embryo. It also plans to use novel molecular approaches that exploit the chicken model to study the role of microRNAs and a long non-coding RNA in patterning the embryonic gonad. ....Defining a role for non-coding RNAs in gonadal sex differentiation. This project aims to increase knowledge in the area of developmental biology, studying how gene regulation by so-called non-coding RNAs contributes to tissue patterning. The project plans to use a unique model system: gonadal development in the chicken embryo. It also plans to use novel molecular approaches that exploit the chicken model to study the role of microRNAs and a long non-coding RNA in patterning the embryonic gonad. The project aims to provide a deeper understanding of how genes operate to control tissue patterning and organogenesis. It may thus inform the field of sex determination specifically, and, more broadly, stem cell biology and tissue engineering.Read moreRead less
The genetic regulation of organogenesis: endoderm development in the Drosophila embryo. Embryonic development is an important research field in biology, not only for its extraordinary complexity but also because of the insights it provides into molecular processes that underpin a variety of diseases. This project aims to discover genes and molecules that regulate the normal development of one of the most important organs, the gut.
Investigating a novel factor impacting stem cell development. This project aims to investigate how stem cells are controlled during animal development, by exploring how a specific protein, essential for embryonic development, controls cell fate decisions during the early stages of life. This project expects to generate new knowledge in stem cell biology, embryonic development, and general mechanisms controlling cell fates, using innovative approaches in gene editing and high-throughput imaging. ....Investigating a novel factor impacting stem cell development. This project aims to investigate how stem cells are controlled during animal development, by exploring how a specific protein, essential for embryonic development, controls cell fate decisions during the early stages of life. This project expects to generate new knowledge in stem cell biology, embryonic development, and general mechanisms controlling cell fates, using innovative approaches in gene editing and high-throughput imaging. Expected outcomes of this project include enhanced capacity for fundamental stem cell biology in Australia. This should provide significant benefits, such as training of young Australian researchers in frontier technologies, and new knowledge in fundamental aspects of life, including embryonic development.Read moreRead less
Shaping the vertebrate brain: defining the cellular and genetic drivers . This project aims to uncover specific cellular and genetic mechanisms that control growth and shape of the brain. How brain shape and size changes during evolution of vertebrates is enigmatic but important to know for better understanding of behaviour and function of intact and diseased brain. The project aims to assemble team of national and international experts to build international capacity and unique genetics model t ....Shaping the vertebrate brain: defining the cellular and genetic drivers . This project aims to uncover specific cellular and genetic mechanisms that control growth and shape of the brain. How brain shape and size changes during evolution of vertebrates is enigmatic but important to know for better understanding of behaviour and function of intact and diseased brain. The project aims to assemble team of national and international experts to build international capacity and unique genetics model to generate new knowledge of the cellular and genetic components that drive evolution of different brain parts and shapes the vertebrate brain. In doing so the project aims to provide research training, excellence and knowledge that in future may benefit health and the society. Read moreRead less
Understanding gonadal development and disease using a unique model system, the avian embryo. This project will provide information on normal and abnormal gonadal development during embryonic life. The study will aid in the diagnosis and management of humans born with disorders of sexual development and will be useful for sex ratio manipulation in the poultry industry.
Genetic regulation of testis development in the chicken embryo. This project aims to shed light on the genetic control of testis development during embryonic life, using the chicken embryo as a model. The results will have implications for sex ratio manipulation in poultry and for our understanding of sexual disorders in humans.
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.
Genetic regulation of wing reduction in the emu. This project aims to examine the genetic mechanisms that generate limb diversity, using wing reduction in the emu as a model. A hot topic in biology at present is evolutionary developmental biology, or how genes control morphological diversity. This project will explore the functions of two novel genes implicated in wing reduction. The project expects to expand knowledge in the area of developmental biology, and limb morphogenesis specifically. It ....Genetic regulation of wing reduction in the emu. This project aims to examine the genetic mechanisms that generate limb diversity, using wing reduction in the emu as a model. A hot topic in biology at present is evolutionary developmental biology, or how genes control morphological diversity. This project will explore the functions of two novel genes implicated in wing reduction. The project expects to expand knowledge in the area of developmental biology, and limb morphogenesis specifically. It will bear upon the phylogeny of flightlessness among birds. It also has potential implications for studying human limb deformities. Overall, the project will enhance our understanding of how genes control the great diversity that we see in nature.Read moreRead less
The transcriptional control of lymphatic vessel development. Lymphatic vessels are a vital, but often overlooked, component of the cardiovascular system. These specialised vessels return tissue fluid to the bloodstream, absorb dietary lipids and transport cells of the immune system throughout the body. Defects in the growth and development of lymphatic vessels result in disorders including lymphedema, obesity, inflammatory diseases and cancer. This project aims to define how transcription factor ....The transcriptional control of lymphatic vessel development. Lymphatic vessels are a vital, but often overlooked, component of the cardiovascular system. These specialised vessels return tissue fluid to the bloodstream, absorb dietary lipids and transport cells of the immune system throughout the body. Defects in the growth and development of lymphatic vessels result in disorders including lymphedema, obesity, inflammatory diseases and cancer. This project aims to define how transcription factors program lymphatic vessel identity and control the development of lymphatic vessel valves. This knowledge will provide new insight into the fundamental mechanisms by which the lymphatic vasculature is constructed during development.Read moreRead less
Investigating the role of gene loops in regulating gene expression. The ability to identify functional variants in regulatory elements will have implications for researchers in multiple fields of biology, from molecular medicine to agriculture. Transfer of expertise and application of the knowledge generated by our research to such fields stands to improve diagnosis of disease predisposition and to improve quality of animal and plant products. These outcomes will benefit all Australians. This kn ....Investigating the role of gene loops in regulating gene expression. The ability to identify functional variants in regulatory elements will have implications for researchers in multiple fields of biology, from molecular medicine to agriculture. Transfer of expertise and application of the knowledge generated by our research to such fields stands to improve diagnosis of disease predisposition and to improve quality of animal and plant products. These outcomes will benefit all Australians. This knowledge will also improve the education of Australian University students as it contributes to the development of advanced curricula and access to more powerful research methods. In addition, the project will foster important collaborations between Australian researchers and those overseas.Read moreRead less