Improving neuronal cell function with cell permeable copper complexes. Metal-based drugs offer an exciting new approach to treatment of neurodegeneration. However, little is known about how cells metabolise these drugs and this information is critical for further drug development. This project will determine how metal-based drugs are metabolised by neuronal cells and how this may result in therapeutic benefit.
Engineering functional nerves using microtailored culture systems. The aim of this work is to develop new culture systems for developing and growing nerves outside of the body. The project will generate knowledge and engineering technology for production of neural implants suitable for medical applications. The availability of engineered nerve grafts to repair neural injuries will improve patient health outcomes.
The impact of environmental toxicants on the fertility of female animals. This study aims to address a problem of national significance; determining the impact of commonly used environmental toxicants (pesticides) on the fertility and health of female animals, both agricultural and native. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the fields of ovarian biology, female fertility and toxicology by using a combination of mouse and marsupial animal models. The expected outcomes include the e ....The impact of environmental toxicants on the fertility of female animals. This study aims to address a problem of national significance; determining the impact of commonly used environmental toxicants (pesticides) on the fertility and health of female animals, both agricultural and native. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the fields of ovarian biology, female fertility and toxicology by using a combination of mouse and marsupial animal models. The expected outcomes include the establishment of interdisciplinary collaborations and provision of world-class training for staff and students in the field of reproductive biology. This project should provide significant benefits, such as improved chemical management in livestock production and the development of marsupial conservation action plans.Read moreRead less
Adaptive Evolution of BRCA1 in Ancestral Mammals. This project investigates adaptive evolution of BRCA1 in the early radiation of mammals. We will test the hypothesis that the evolution of mammary glands and X chromosome inactivation has resulted in modification of the BRCA1 protein sequence as it aquired new roles in these processes. We will also investigate the importance of these changes inducing compensatory changes in other parts of the protein.
Development of Model Systems to Investigate Blood Hydrodynamic Parameters Affecting Blood Cell Function: An Interdisciplinary Approach. National benefit will come through this research contributing to a better understanding of blood flow biology and pathology, both of which are of particular relevance to the aging Australian population. This benefit is well aligned with the 2008 National research priority 2: Promoting and Maintaining Good Health; Priority Goal 3. Preventative Health. The synthes ....Development of Model Systems to Investigate Blood Hydrodynamic Parameters Affecting Blood Cell Function: An Interdisciplinary Approach. National benefit will come through this research contributing to a better understanding of blood flow biology and pathology, both of which are of particular relevance to the aging Australian population. This benefit is well aligned with the 2008 National research priority 2: Promoting and Maintaining Good Health; Priority Goal 3. Preventative Health. The synthesis of both extensive expertise in platelet/cardiovascular research and bioengineering/rheology should provide a substantial platform from which fundamental new discoveries in this niche area can be made. The development of novel platelet analysis tools arising from this work may also ultimately lead to new intellectual property and attract industry based funding.Read moreRead less
Using nanostructured biomaterials and stem cells to repair spinal cord injuries. There is currently no effective cure for spinal cord injuries and the consequences to the patient are devastating. Spinal cord injuries affects limb, bowel, bladder and sexual function, and many people with these injuries strugle to maintain their independence. Because people can live for many years after spinal cord damage, the financial and social costs are immense, as many are dependent on the help of others for ....Using nanostructured biomaterials and stem cells to repair spinal cord injuries. There is currently no effective cure for spinal cord injuries and the consequences to the patient are devastating. Spinal cord injuries affects limb, bowel, bladder and sexual function, and many people with these injuries strugle to maintain their independence. Because people can live for many years after spinal cord damage, the financial and social costs are immense, as many are dependent on the help of others for their survival. This proposal tackles this urgent problem by applying advanced nanostructured materials with stem cells, to assist the body in the repair of the spinal cord following injury. Read moreRead less
A Tough Resilin Based Hydrogel Platform for Repair and Regeneration. This project seeks to develop novel hydrogels that mimic the properties of the body. In the field of repair and regeneration, our challenge is to make hydrogels that retain the fatigue and resilience properties of the natural body part, but are comprised of nontoxic material. Resilin is a remarkable material exhibiting a broad range of stimuli-responsive behaviour and outstanding elasticity. The project aim is to create a tough ....A Tough Resilin Based Hydrogel Platform for Repair and Regeneration. This project seeks to develop novel hydrogels that mimic the properties of the body. In the field of repair and regeneration, our challenge is to make hydrogels that retain the fatigue and resilience properties of the natural body part, but are comprised of nontoxic material. Resilin is a remarkable material exhibiting a broad range of stimuli-responsive behaviour and outstanding elasticity. The project aim is to create a tough and responsive hydrogel platform from this disordered protein family through greater understanding of structure and mechanical function and incorporating adequate stiffness, strength and biocompatibility. Such tough hydrogels would be applicable to a range of biotechnological applications (eg intervertebral disc repair or artificial skin tissue engineering).Read moreRead less
Examination of the Calcium Signalling Dynamics Linked to Integrin Adhesion Utilising a Novel Micro-imaging System. This study aims at increasing our understanding of the fundamental cell processes that allow cells to adhere to surfaces. The proposed study will lead to a greater understanding of the calcium signalling mechanisms that are fundamental to diverse biological phenomena such as, tissue regeneration and repair, blood clotting, cancer metastasis, and neuronal cell function. From a preven ....Examination of the Calcium Signalling Dynamics Linked to Integrin Adhesion Utilising a Novel Micro-imaging System. This study aims at increasing our understanding of the fundamental cell processes that allow cells to adhere to surfaces. The proposed study will lead to a greater understanding of the calcium signalling mechanisms that are fundamental to diverse biological phenomena such as, tissue regeneration and repair, blood clotting, cancer metastasis, and neuronal cell function. From a preventative health perspective, the investigation of platelet calcium signalling will greatly accelerate the development of new pharmaceuticals to tackle acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, heart attack and artherosclerosis. Read moreRead less
microRNAs and the control of T lymphocyte differentiation, function and malignant transformation. The molecular mechanism of the immune system is not completely understood. This project will investigate how transcription factors and microRNAs, two major types of regulatory molecules work together to control immune responses. The results from this research will assist in the design of better vaccination strategies and treat certain lymphomas.
Detecting stress-induced changes to subcellular copper pools in brain cells. Copper (Cu) plays essential roles in the functioning of brain cells, but the regulation and activity of this metal is poorly understood. This project aims to map sub-cellular Cu pools in brain cells, with particular emphasis on the effects of cellular stresses on these pools. These studies are expected to contribute important new methods for the study of Cu biology, and could provide valuable information about how Cu ho ....Detecting stress-induced changes to subcellular copper pools in brain cells. Copper (Cu) plays essential roles in the functioning of brain cells, but the regulation and activity of this metal is poorly understood. This project aims to map sub-cellular Cu pools in brain cells, with particular emphasis on the effects of cellular stresses on these pools. These studies are expected to contribute important new methods for the study of Cu biology, and could provide valuable information about how Cu homeostasis is maintained or perturbed under various stresses. In the future, this work is expected to form the basis of studies of brain Cu pools in neurodegenerative diseases.Read moreRead less