Structure and function of a new class of multi-zinc finger (MZF) transcriptional regulators. An understanding of how genes are switched on and off during the development and lifetime of an organism is central to developing the ability to fight many diseases in a rational way. This project will advance our knowledge in this area at a fundamental molecular level by examining the mechanisms through which a specific set of proteins controls gene expression.
The molecular basis of oligotrophy: an integrated genomic and functional proteomic study of the model marine oligotroph, Sphingopyxis alaskensis. The project will will enable Australia to take the lead in the global analysis of oligotrophy, highlighting the reputation Australian scientists have in scientific programs of global significance. As Australia is surrounded by some of the most oligotrophic waters in the world, we have access to an enormous natural resource suitable for the isolation of ....The molecular basis of oligotrophy: an integrated genomic and functional proteomic study of the model marine oligotroph, Sphingopyxis alaskensis. The project will will enable Australia to take the lead in the global analysis of oligotrophy, highlighting the reputation Australian scientists have in scientific programs of global significance. As Australia is surrounded by some of the most oligotrophic waters in the world, we have access to an enormous natural resource suitable for the isolation of oligotrophs. Realising the potential of oligotrophs may therefore provide an invaluable source of compounds, enzymes and molecules for biotechnology and industry. Understanding microbial oligotrophy will also ensure we protect our $50 billion dollar tourism industry by remaining abreast of factors which influence the marine environment and directly impact on all coastal activities.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0883032
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,300,000.00
Summary
800 MHz NMR spectrometer for biomolecular structure-function analysis. An understanding of how organisms function at the molecular level is central to developing the ability to fight many diseases in a rational way. This equipment will provide the capability for many different laboratories around NSW and the ACT to advance our knowledge at this fundamental level, primarily by examining the structures and functions of biomolecules such as proteins.
The MYB gene as a model for global transcriptional regulation: stopping, starting and looping. This project will study how transcriptional elongation controls the MYB gene, a key regulator of normal and cancerous growth and regulation. There are three major benefits that are likely to flow from the proposed research It will strengthen research in new and important areas of transcriptional regulation, by building research capacity in Australia in the area of gene expression, particularly with res ....The MYB gene as a model for global transcriptional regulation: stopping, starting and looping. This project will study how transcriptional elongation controls the MYB gene, a key regulator of normal and cancerous growth and regulation. There are three major benefits that are likely to flow from the proposed research It will strengthen research in new and important areas of transcriptional regulation, by building research capacity in Australia in the area of gene expression, particularly with respect to transcriptional elongation and long-range regulation. It will highlight a new approach to the therapeutic targeting of MYB in cancer: data generated from this research may enable us to target MYB expression in a range of cancers including breast cancer by inhibiting transcriptional elongation. And it will provide training in advanced molecular biology to postdoctoral scientists and students.Read moreRead less
Determinants of metabolic rate in animals. The metabolic rate of an animal represents its fundamental "cost of living" and varies dramatically (>100-fold) between different vertebrate species. We have proposed the "membrane pacemaker theory" to explain this variation and currently this is the only mechanistic explanation of metabolic variation between species. It has received significant international interest. A species metabolic rate and its maximum lifespan are connected but the precise mecha ....Determinants of metabolic rate in animals. The metabolic rate of an animal represents its fundamental "cost of living" and varies dramatically (>100-fold) between different vertebrate species. We have proposed the "membrane pacemaker theory" to explain this variation and currently this is the only mechanistic explanation of metabolic variation between species. It has received significant international interest. A species metabolic rate and its maximum lifespan are connected but the precise mechanistic link between them is unknown. We will investigate the mechanisms underlying the "membrane pacemaker theory" as an explanation of the metabolic rates of vertebrate species and its role in the determination of maximum lifespan.Read moreRead less
Cellular Responses to Adversity: Oxidative Stress and Protection Against Oxidative Damage. A deficiency in the protein haem oxygenase-1 causes severe biological consequences in animals and humans. These include decreased reproduction, retarded development, the inability of the body to handle iron, chronic inflammation and increased susceptibility to age-associated diseases. This study will determine how a deficiency of the protein alters cells at the level of genes, proteins and protein function ....Cellular Responses to Adversity: Oxidative Stress and Protection Against Oxidative Damage. A deficiency in the protein haem oxygenase-1 causes severe biological consequences in animals and humans. These include decreased reproduction, retarded development, the inability of the body to handle iron, chronic inflammation and increased susceptibility to age-associated diseases. This study will determine how a deficiency of the protein alters cells at the level of genes, proteins and protein functions. By doing so, the project will illuminate how haem oxygenase-1 alters cell functions in a beneficial way. This information will eventually assist in preventing the serious disorders associated with deficiency of haem oxygenase-1. It will also provide the basis for novel treatments to slow down age-associated diseases.Read moreRead less
Guarding and evolving the genome: interactions between DNA-repair enzymes and damaged DNA. The application of structural biology techniques to the area of DNA repair allows us to understand the full implications linking genes and proteins to the molecular mechanisms of diseases such as cancer and hereditory conditions. Studies in this highly internationally competitive area are already established in the Bond laboratory, which has recently relocated to Australia. The use of forward-thinking stru ....Guarding and evolving the genome: interactions between DNA-repair enzymes and damaged DNA. The application of structural biology techniques to the area of DNA repair allows us to understand the full implications linking genes and proteins to the molecular mechanisms of diseases such as cancer and hereditory conditions. Studies in this highly internationally competitive area are already established in the Bond laboratory, which has recently relocated to Australia. The use of forward-thinking structural biology approaches to solve difficult technical problems will foster collaborations within Australia and with leading laboratories abroad, providing excellent up-to-date research training for students and postdoctoral researchers.
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New Strategies for Monitoring DNA-Anticancer Drug Interactions. The highly successful cisplatin works by binding to DNA and partially unwinding or bending the DNA. As a consequence of the success if cisplatin, alternative anticancer drugs are being developed with reduced side effects for patients. One of the bottom necks in the development of alternative drugs is rapid screening of the efficacy on new leads. The proposed research will develop new technologies for monitoring DNA-drug binding, ....New Strategies for Monitoring DNA-Anticancer Drug Interactions. The highly successful cisplatin works by binding to DNA and partially unwinding or bending the DNA. As a consequence of the success if cisplatin, alternative anticancer drugs are being developed with reduced side effects for patients. One of the bottom necks in the development of alternative drugs is rapid screening of the efficacy on new leads. The proposed research will develop new technologies for monitoring DNA-drug binding, DNA damage and DNA repair using novel DNA biosensors. the novelty of the biosensor technology will be to use the modulation of charge transfer through DNA as a method for determining the structural changes that occur in DNA due to these events occurring.Read moreRead less
Recovery and characterization of monooxygenases for biocatalysis and bioremediation through development of novel DNA- and protein-based technology. Australia contains hundreds of sites contaminated with toxic waste and judged to pose significant risk of harm to the public. This project will identify enzymes and organisms capable of remediating such contaminated sites by natural processes. It will also result in training of persons and development of techniques that will contribute to making bi ....Recovery and characterization of monooxygenases for biocatalysis and bioremediation through development of novel DNA- and protein-based technology. Australia contains hundreds of sites contaminated with toxic waste and judged to pose significant risk of harm to the public. This project will identify enzymes and organisms capable of remediating such contaminated sites by natural processes. It will also result in training of persons and development of techniques that will contribute to making bioremediation an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective technology. The environmental proteomics strategy is a frontier technology, expected to have broad applications in health, food science and the environment. Our development of this technology will create a wide range of opportunities for Australian scientists and companies.Read moreRead less
Redefining the metallothionein's role in the injured brain: extracellular metallothioneins play an important role in astrocyte-neuron responses to injury. This project is being performed by an Australian team of researchers who are leaders in this field of research, and has significant national benefits in supporting this team reveal fundamental information on the cellular interactions that occur between astrocytes and neurons within the injured brain. In national terms, it will contribute to th ....Redefining the metallothionein's role in the injured brain: extracellular metallothioneins play an important role in astrocyte-neuron responses to injury. This project is being performed by an Australian team of researchers who are leaders in this field of research, and has significant national benefits in supporting this team reveal fundamental information on the cellular interactions that occur between astrocytes and neurons within the injured brain. In national terms, it will contribute to the concerted effort by Australian scientists to understand how and why neurons die following brain injury or neurodegenerative disease. Furthermore, this research contributes directly to the Designated National Research Priorities by identifying some of the earliest biochemical and cellular processes associated with aging or disease of the brain.Read moreRead less