Single-session Introduction of Mutations in Parallel Lines (SIMPL). This project aims to develop a novel method for markedly accelerating production of genetically modified mice, which are a key 'tool' for studying biological processes and diseases. The work plans to take CRISPR, the latest gene-editing technique, to the next level by developing a novel CRISPR-based method to generate different mouse strains with distinct variations of the same gene sequences, at a fraction of the present cost a ....Single-session Introduction of Mutations in Parallel Lines (SIMPL). This project aims to develop a novel method for markedly accelerating production of genetically modified mice, which are a key 'tool' for studying biological processes and diseases. The work plans to take CRISPR, the latest gene-editing technique, to the next level by developing a novel CRISPR-based method to generate different mouse strains with distinct variations of the same gene sequences, at a fraction of the present cost and time. This project should overcome a major barrier to studying gene function with unprecedented detail, thereby opening new avenues for future research into biological processes. Thus, the outcomes from this project should impact on the entire field of biomedical research, and advance Australia's biotech industry.Read moreRead less
Boosting C4 photosynthesis to climate proof crop yields. Building next generation C4 crops, such as maize, sugarcane and sorghum, to cope with drought and heat stress is requisite to ensure the supply of food and fodder. Here we will increase the content and / or catalytic efficiency of the primary carboxylase of C4 photosynthesis (PEPC) that supplies CO2 to the carbon concentrating mechanism and ensures high photosynthetic rates. We will develop new SynBio tools to create and test novel PEPC is ....Boosting C4 photosynthesis to climate proof crop yields. Building next generation C4 crops, such as maize, sugarcane and sorghum, to cope with drought and heat stress is requisite to ensure the supply of food and fodder. Here we will increase the content and / or catalytic efficiency of the primary carboxylase of C4 photosynthesis (PEPC) that supplies CO2 to the carbon concentrating mechanism and ensures high photosynthetic rates. We will develop new SynBio tools to create and test novel PEPC isoforms with desirable properties. Ultimately, the project aims to identify isoforms that improve plant fitness under stress conditions. Optimising PEPC activity will provide next generation solutions to improve water balance and carbon assimilation to keep C4 crops productive under future climates.Read moreRead less
Discovery and directed evolution of small molecule biosensors. This project aims to address the need for novel small molecule biosensing capability in diverse fields including food and wine production, environmental monitoring, biocatalysis, and diagnostics using a synthetic biology approach. The significance of this work is the development of new biosensors by a strong interdisciplinary team contributing bioinformatics to identify new biosensors, innovative protein engineering approaches, and c ....Discovery and directed evolution of small molecule biosensors. This project aims to address the need for novel small molecule biosensing capability in diverse fields including food and wine production, environmental monitoring, biocatalysis, and diagnostics using a synthetic biology approach. The significance of this work is the development of new biosensors by a strong interdisciplinary team contributing bioinformatics to identify new biosensors, innovative protein engineering approaches, and cutting-edge directed evolution methodologies. Intended outcomes include enhanced institutional capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration; discovery of fundamentally important bacterial sensors; and development of synthetic regulatory circuits enabling outgrowth of non-biological biocatalysis industries.Read moreRead less
Site-specific protein functionalisation at diselenides via photocatalysis . This project aims to develop a new photocatalytic reaction for the on demand functionalisation of proteins. The synthetic methodology will solve a major technological gap in the field by enabling efficient access to proteins with defined modifications at specific locations. Functionalised proteins generated in the project will underpin a detailed understanding of how specific modifications influence the structure and fun ....Site-specific protein functionalisation at diselenides via photocatalysis . This project aims to develop a new photocatalytic reaction for the on demand functionalisation of proteins. The synthetic methodology will solve a major technological gap in the field by enabling efficient access to proteins with defined modifications at specific locations. Functionalised proteins generated in the project will underpin a detailed understanding of how specific modifications influence the structure and function of several important proteins. The project will generate significant new knowledge in the fields of chemistry and biology and will foster interdisciplinary collaboration, nationally and internationally. The breakthrough technology also has the potential to benefit Australia’s biotechnology sector.Read moreRead less
Expanding access to modified proteins via a novel semi-synthetic platform. This project aims to address a critical knowledge gap in understanding how post-translational modifications modulate the structure and activity of proteins. By developing an innovative semi-synthetic platform to produce pure proteins inaccessible by existing methods, the project will reveal how natural protein modifications influence structure and function. Expected outcomes include the delivery of breakthrough technologi ....Expanding access to modified proteins via a novel semi-synthetic platform. This project aims to address a critical knowledge gap in understanding how post-translational modifications modulate the structure and activity of proteins. By developing an innovative semi-synthetic platform to produce pure proteins inaccessible by existing methods, the project will reveal how natural protein modifications influence structure and function. Expected outcomes include the delivery of breakthrough technologies for accessing modified proteins for a range of applications in academia and industry, as well as the generation of new knowledge in the fields of chemistry and biology. The project will lead to the training of interdisciplinary early career researchers and has the potential to benefit Australia’s biotechnology sector.Read moreRead less
Making peptides orally bioavailable. Bioactive peptides are exceptionally useful molecules, however to fully realise their exciting applications key limitations need to be overcome: they can't be delivered orally and they do not last long in the body. This project aims to develop a molecular tag that can dramatically enhance both the oral absorption and time in the body of a peptide. This will include identifying the key elements of the tag required for function, the breadth of peptide cargoes i ....Making peptides orally bioavailable. Bioactive peptides are exceptionally useful molecules, however to fully realise their exciting applications key limitations need to be overcome: they can't be delivered orally and they do not last long in the body. This project aims to develop a molecular tag that can dramatically enhance both the oral absorption and time in the body of a peptide. This will include identifying the key elements of the tag required for function, the breadth of peptide cargoes it can be applied to and the mechanisms underlying this technology. The outcomes of this project will facilitate the future development of peptides for biotechnology, pharmaceutical and veterinary applications.Read moreRead less
A peptide platform to fight pests threatening global food security. This project aims to develop a platform technology for the efficient design of new crop protection agents based on peptides to protect Australia’s food security. It will be first applied against the highly destructive fall armyworm, currently spreading alarmingly in Australia. The project is significant because insect pests cause huge economic and environmental impacts. Peptides are a new generation of crop protection agents tha ....A peptide platform to fight pests threatening global food security. This project aims to develop a platform technology for the efficient design of new crop protection agents based on peptides to protect Australia’s food security. It will be first applied against the highly destructive fall armyworm, currently spreading alarmingly in Australia. The project is significant because insect pests cause huge economic and environmental impacts. Peptides are a new generation of crop protection agents that are potentially more effective and sustainable than chemical pesticides. Expected outcomes are a new rapid response technology and associated lead molecules to protect against current and emerging pests. Major benefits are increased food security, improved crop yields and a more sustainable agriculture industry. Read moreRead less