A knockout approach to identifying genes involved in epidermal development and homeostasis. These studies will identify new genes which play a role in the development or maintenance of the skin, some of which may subsequently be shown to play a role in disease. The project capitalises on an investment of tens of millions of dollars by the Wellcome Trust in generating a significant cohort of knockout mice. Our involvement in this international initiative will ensure Australia's participation in ....A knockout approach to identifying genes involved in epidermal development and homeostasis. These studies will identify new genes which play a role in the development or maintenance of the skin, some of which may subsequently be shown to play a role in disease. The project capitalises on an investment of tens of millions of dollars by the Wellcome Trust in generating a significant cohort of knockout mice. Our involvement in this international initiative will ensure Australia's participation in a project at the forefront of mouse genetics, using cutting edge infrastructure and technologies to provide insights into the complement of genes involved in skin biology. Models of interest will be repatriated to Australia for further study capitalising on existing infrastructure provided through the NCRIS funding program. Read moreRead less
Modelling cell invasion incorporating the epithelial to mesenchymal transition: Exploring therapies to control wound healing and cancer progression. Cancer and wounds are closely related, commonly lethal, diseases. Both require cell growth and invasion. This project will apply experimental measurements to create new mathematical models of cancer and wounds; models that will inform new targets and strategies for the treatment of these deadly diseases.
Image-guided skin microbiopsy technology development. There is a need for targeted biopsies in dermatology. This novel technology enables minimally invasive biopsies to be taken from suspicious skin lesions by integrating micromedical and imaging devices.
CD151 and functional overlap in tetraspanins. The applicants are currently world leaders in the tetraspanin field. This project will enhance existing international collaborations to maintain and increase the applicants', and hence Australia's, international standing in this field and Australia's reputation in cell and molecular biology in general.
The project will greatly increase our understanding of this important but poorly understood family of proteins. It will also provide training opport ....CD151 and functional overlap in tetraspanins. The applicants are currently world leaders in the tetraspanin field. This project will enhance existing international collaborations to maintain and increase the applicants', and hence Australia's, international standing in this field and Australia's reputation in cell and molecular biology in general.
The project will greatly increase our understanding of this important but poorly understood family of proteins. It will also provide training opportunities for postgraduate students in state-of-the-art approaches in biotechnology.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.
Human skin equivalent constructs: enhanced culturing and application of laboratory-grown skin through mathematical modelling and in silico experimentation. Laboratory-grown human skin equivalent constructs, given social and legislative imperatives, will be critical for advances in novel treatment protocol definitions for wound repair, dermatogical screening of pharmacueticals and fundamental studies of skin diseases.
In silico studies undertaken in this project will make a significant contrib ....Human skin equivalent constructs: enhanced culturing and application of laboratory-grown skin through mathematical modelling and in silico experimentation. Laboratory-grown human skin equivalent constructs, given social and legislative imperatives, will be critical for advances in novel treatment protocol definitions for wound repair, dermatogical screening of pharmacueticals and fundamental studies of skin diseases.
In silico studies undertaken in this project will make a significant contribution to the effectiveness of the application of human skin constructs, by delivering new and deeper insights into the interplay between dependent processes that regulate the behaviour of skin, in vivo or ex vivo. The models and the researchers associated with this project will drive innovative studies in medical science over the next decade.Read moreRead less
Discovery of novel microRNA biogenesis and functional components. Discovery of novel microRNA components will provide new strategies for confronting a diverse array of challenges Australia faces, such as the increasing rates of certain cancers in our population, to stresses on our crop plants faced with environmental changes. The biological mechanisms underlying these disparate problems are unified by microRNA involvement in many instances. By finding microRNA controlling factors common to all h ....Discovery of novel microRNA biogenesis and functional components. Discovery of novel microRNA components will provide new strategies for confronting a diverse array of challenges Australia faces, such as the increasing rates of certain cancers in our population, to stresses on our crop plants faced with environmental changes. The biological mechanisms underlying these disparate problems are unified by microRNA involvement in many instances. By finding microRNA controlling factors common to all higher organisms, we expect our community will benefit from the increased knowledge base that will help our researchers adopt new strategies in fighting diseases and improving our agricultural industry.Read moreRead less
Characterisation of p14ARF intracellular trafficking pathways. Over 3500 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed in NSW each year, and one of the most important proteins involved in suppressing melanoma initiation or growth is p14ARF. This project will characterise the movement and functions of this protein with the aim of identifying novel targets for more effective drug therapies.
Zinc finger domains as scaffolds for protein engineering. While great advances have been made in pharmaceutical design and discovery, it is clear that new types of drugs are needed for the better management of a wide range of diseases (e.g. cancers, autoimmune diseases, viral infections). Many of these diseases arise from inappropriate interactions between intracellular biological macromolecules. My aim is to develop a range of novel therapeutic proteins based on naturally existing zinc-binding ....Zinc finger domains as scaffolds for protein engineering. While great advances have been made in pharmaceutical design and discovery, it is clear that new types of drugs are needed for the better management of a wide range of diseases (e.g. cancers, autoimmune diseases, viral infections). Many of these diseases arise from inappropriate interactions between intracellular biological macromolecules. My aim is to develop a range of novel therapeutic proteins based on naturally existing zinc-binding protein domains with the goal of selectively blocking these inappropriate interactions. Additionally, these engineered proteins have potential uses as biochemical tools such as to help delineate the functions of natural proteins with no known functions.Read moreRead less
Origin of multicellularity in animals: identification and analysis of intercellular signalling pathways in a basal metazoan, the demosponge Reniera. The Reniera genome project is a multi-million dollar collaboration between JGI (US-DOE) and Australian scientists that will see the sequencing of the first Australian marine animal by 2006. This project will significantly advance our understanding of the origins of animals and contribute to the reconstruction of creatures that lived over 600 million ....Origin of multicellularity in animals: identification and analysis of intercellular signalling pathways in a basal metazoan, the demosponge Reniera. The Reniera genome project is a multi-million dollar collaboration between JGI (US-DOE) and Australian scientists that will see the sequencing of the first Australian marine animal by 2006. This project will significantly advance our understanding of the origins of animals and contribute to the reconstruction of creatures that lived over 600 million years ago. A major outcome of this reconstruction will be a fundamental understanding of how cells communicate with each other during the process of development to give rise to the diversity of cell types within multicellular animals. This study will also shed light on what happens when cell communication goes astray, as observed in a range of human malignancies, including cancer. Read moreRead less