A shared genetic basis for development of the nervous system and glands. Fruit flies possess strikingly similar versions of the genes that promote normal human development. The list of systems with genetic parallels between humans and fruit flies includes the respiratory and circulatory systems; cardiovascular development and disease; sleep; learning and memory; brain development and disease; taste, sight, smell and hearing. This project could add at least some human glands, the mucous-secreting ....A shared genetic basis for development of the nervous system and glands. Fruit flies possess strikingly similar versions of the genes that promote normal human development. The list of systems with genetic parallels between humans and fruit flies includes the respiratory and circulatory systems; cardiovascular development and disease; sleep; learning and memory; brain development and disease; taste, sight, smell and hearing. This project could add at least some human glands, the mucous-secreting goblet cells, to this list, providing a potentially useful model for studying human diseases associated with gland dysfunction. Read moreRead less
Establishment of Therapeutically Relevant Animal Models and Markers for Crohn's Disease. Crohn's disease is a devastating life long disease, affecting 0.5% of the world population. There is urgent economic and social need to develop new and better drugs to treat the symptoms and underlying cause of this debilitating disease. Social benefits include the improved quality of life of sufferers that positively impacts society. Economic benefit includes income derived from commercialisation of rese ....Establishment of Therapeutically Relevant Animal Models and Markers for Crohn's Disease. Crohn's disease is a devastating life long disease, affecting 0.5% of the world population. There is urgent economic and social need to develop new and better drugs to treat the symptoms and underlying cause of this debilitating disease. Social benefits include the improved quality of life of sufferers that positively impacts society. Economic benefit includes income derived from commercialisation of research outcomes and the contribution this project makes to high value employment in the biotechnology sector.Read moreRead less
The sulfate anion transporter gene, Sat1: physiology, regulation and developmental expression. Sulfate is an essential nutrient for cell growth and survival. The kidneys and liver help regulate sulfate levels in the body, by yet unknown mechanisms. Recently, we cloned a gene, Sat1, expressed in mouse liver and kidneys, which may be responsible for body sulfate maintenance. In this study, we will determine the physiological importance of Sat1 in cell growth/survival and in controlling body sulfa ....The sulfate anion transporter gene, Sat1: physiology, regulation and developmental expression. Sulfate is an essential nutrient for cell growth and survival. The kidneys and liver help regulate sulfate levels in the body, by yet unknown mechanisms. Recently, we cloned a gene, Sat1, expressed in mouse liver and kidneys, which may be responsible for body sulfate maintenance. In this study, we will determine the physiological importance of Sat1 in cell growth/survival and in controlling body sulfate levels. We will generate and characterise a Sat1 lacking mouse, study its expression during development and its effects on other genes. We will elucidate how body sulfate levels are maintained and its importance in cell growth/development.Read moreRead less
Studies in cancer control. As life expectancy in Australia (and throughout the world) continues to rise, so will the burden of cancer escalate. Treating cancer after diagnosis is costly, and in many instances, unsuccessful. Preventive strategies promise to reduce the future cancer burden, yet our knowledge in this arena is limited by the lack of credible research as to what works and what does not. This application addresses this gap directly by conducting research into the control of two cancer ....Studies in cancer control. As life expectancy in Australia (and throughout the world) continues to rise, so will the burden of cancer escalate. Treating cancer after diagnosis is costly, and in many instances, unsuccessful. Preventive strategies promise to reduce the future cancer burden, yet our knowledge in this arena is limited by the lack of credible research as to what works and what does not. This application addresses this gap directly by conducting research into the control of two cancers which exact a growing toll in Australia and elsewhere. The work seeks to identify and understand the causal pathways to cancer, and then use this information to devise evidence-based strategies for cancer control.Read moreRead less
Single vesicle dynamics and the control of secretion. This project investigates secretion and tests a new model for secretory control. Its outcomes will further our knowledge in this important area and may be significant in the longer term for the treatment of secretory diseases.
Cystine flux and hydrogen peroxide breakdown in reuteri group lactobacilli. We have discovered, and aim to fully dissect a novel function of reuteri group lactobacilli. These microbes inhabit the surfaces of the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts of humans and are also used as probiotics, and in the dairy industry. This function mediates the production and breakdown of large amounts of hydrogen peroxide, cystine and thiols. These are highly bioactive and affect human cells and other bacter ....Cystine flux and hydrogen peroxide breakdown in reuteri group lactobacilli. We have discovered, and aim to fully dissect a novel function of reuteri group lactobacilli. These microbes inhabit the surfaces of the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts of humans and are also used as probiotics, and in the dairy industry. This function mediates the production and breakdown of large amounts of hydrogen peroxide, cystine and thiols. These are highly bioactive and affect human cells and other bacteria at the surfaces of the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts, and thiols are also flavourants in dairy products. Our research will inform the rational development of probiotics, the management and treatment of unpleasant conditions such as Crohn's disease and bacterial vaginosis, and innovation in dairy fermentations.Read moreRead less
A new model for secreton in epithelial cells. This proposal sets out to test a new model for secretion that we have developed in the light of recent experimental data. The project outcomes will advance our understanding of normal processes of secretion and may be important in understanding disease. We will develop cutting-edge techniques of microscopy which will place Australia at the forefront of this exciting field. The project will bring benefit to the Australian scientific community through ....A new model for secreton in epithelial cells. This proposal sets out to test a new model for secretion that we have developed in the light of recent experimental data. The project outcomes will advance our understanding of normal processes of secretion and may be important in understanding disease. We will develop cutting-edge techniques of microscopy which will place Australia at the forefront of this exciting field. The project will bring benefit to the Australian scientific community through interactions and collaborations with other scientists in Australia and internationally and will benefit early-career scientists, training them in novel methods and allowing them to develop their research expertise and profile and enabling them to compete on the world science stage. Read moreRead less
Role of ferroxidases in intestinal iron transport. This project will investigate the mechanism by which the body absorbs the essential nutrient iron from the diet. These studies will enhance our knowledge of an important nutritional pathway and improve our capacity to treat diseases where iron absorption is defective, such as the iron loading disorder haemochromatosis.
Regulation of neuronal cell death signalling for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and motor neuron diseases, are often underpinned by neuronal cell death-signalling. This project aims to characterise molecules that regulate cell death signalling, thereby increasing our knowledge of how neuronal cell death can be inhibited.