Cellular genomic approach to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. This project compares the levels of gene usage in two important immune cell types between patients with multiple sclerosis and people who do not have the disease. It aims to identify the molecular basis for the disease, in order to identify new diagnostic, preventative and treatment options.
A genetic analysis of the role of an atypical hexokinase in gene regulation. This project addresses a question which is relevant to all living things-how do changes in the environment of a cell bring about a change in gene expression? The aim of this project is to investigate the role of hexokinases in gene regulation by studying the Aspergillus nidulans xprF gene, which encodes an an unusual hexokinase. Hexokinases are thought to be the glucose sensors in plants, animals and fungi, and play a ....A genetic analysis of the role of an atypical hexokinase in gene regulation. This project addresses a question which is relevant to all living things-how do changes in the environment of a cell bring about a change in gene expression? The aim of this project is to investigate the role of hexokinases in gene regulation by studying the Aspergillus nidulans xprF gene, which encodes an an unusual hexokinase. Hexokinases are thought to be the glucose sensors in plants, animals and fungi, and play a role in the development of diabetes in humans. In plants, sugars affect many processes including growth, flowering, photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, starch synthesis, pigmentation and response to pathogens.Read moreRead less
Brain sodium channel: functional role of developmentally regulated alternative splicing. This project will identify the roles of neonatal and adult forms of a sodium channel in the function of neurons in the developing brain. Sodium channels are vital for brain function and this study will improve our understanding of the function of healthy brain as well as of underlying mechanisms of some neurological disorders.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0561013
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$220,000.00
Summary
X-ray diffraction System for Protein Crystallography and Structural Biology. Knowledge of protein structures enables researchers to explain cellular function at a molecular level. In particular, it provides essential information to understand the mechanism of diseases, such as cancer or AIDS, and it ultimately leads to the design of better drugs.
An in-house X-ray protein crystallography facility will allow us to determine the structures of key proteins effectively and competitively, opening up ....X-ray diffraction System for Protein Crystallography and Structural Biology. Knowledge of protein structures enables researchers to explain cellular function at a molecular level. In particular, it provides essential information to understand the mechanism of diseases, such as cancer or AIDS, and it ultimately leads to the design of better drugs.
An in-house X-ray protein crystallography facility will allow us to determine the structures of key proteins effectively and competitively, opening up extensive possibilities for multi-disciplinary ground-breaking research.
The University research portfolio has evolved to embrace the revolution in structural biology with numerous projects and collaborations focusing on proteins involved in bacterial infections, degenerative disorders and biotechnological applications.Read moreRead less
Shaping the heart in early development - new insights into cellular modelling processes. Heart health is an important contributor to quality of life and longevity. This research will provide new insights into the way hormonal influences early in development shape a healthy heart. The project builds on the application of recently patented, sophisticated cell imaging techniques. Research students and trainees recruited to this project will benefit from their involvement with this leading edge tech ....Shaping the heart in early development - new insights into cellular modelling processes. Heart health is an important contributor to quality of life and longevity. This research will provide new insights into the way hormonal influences early in development shape a healthy heart. The project builds on the application of recently patented, sophisticated cell imaging techniques. Research students and trainees recruited to this project will benefit from their involvement with this leading edge technology. These studies are important in providing a basis for developing optimal management strategies for congenital heart conditions and preterm infants. Improved knowledge of the cardiac effects of fetal and neonatal exposure to steroids (to assist with lung maturation in prematurity or to control maternal asthma) will be gained.Read moreRead less
Inflammasomes: molecular drivers of anti-microbial defence. The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defence against infection, but also drives unhealthy inflammation. Families of innate immune receptors, such as nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain (NOD-like Receptors), were recently discovered to control both anti-microbial defence and unhealthy inflammation. This project will characterise the basic biology of NOD-like Receptors at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels ....Inflammasomes: molecular drivers of anti-microbial defence. The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defence against infection, but also drives unhealthy inflammation. Families of innate immune receptors, such as nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain (NOD-like Receptors), were recently discovered to control both anti-microbial defence and unhealthy inflammation. This project will characterise the basic biology of NOD-like Receptors at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels, and will thereby lead to a greater understanding of the fundamental biological pathways controlling inflammation and defence against infection. This may ultimately lead to commercial opportunities for treating infection and chronic inflammation.Read moreRead less
A hierarchical quantum mechanical and classical simulation of biological ion channels. I aim to develop a methodology incorporating molecular quantum
mechanics and classical Brownian mechanics in a way that can be
applied practically to large macromolecular systems, thus relating
fine structural details to experimentally measurable
properties. Specifically, I will apply this methodology to study ion
channels in which the challenge is to relate electronic and atomic
structure to the conduct ....A hierarchical quantum mechanical and classical simulation of biological ion channels. I aim to develop a methodology incorporating molecular quantum
mechanics and classical Brownian mechanics in a way that can be
applied practically to large macromolecular systems, thus relating
fine structural details to experimentally measurable
properties. Specifically, I will apply this methodology to study ion
channels in which the challenge is to relate electronic and atomic
structure to the conductance properties of the channel. Accurately
determining these relationships provides a pathway to developing cures
for many neurological, cardiac, and muscular diseases.
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Rapid mapping of genes for complex traits. This project will develop a new resource that will allow rapid identification of genes controlling complex traits. This world-leading resource will improve knowledge of diseases like diabetes and neurological diseases.
Development of the PD GeneChip: a research and diagnostic tool for Parkinson's disease. The PD GeneChip will provide both social and economic benefits to Australia. It will be a key research platform for Australian scientists, and will facilitate collaboration both within Australia and overseas. It will assist with health care management of PD (Parkinson's disease) patients by providing a cost-effective diagnostic tool and the possibility of predicting the clinical course of disease. This inform ....Development of the PD GeneChip: a research and diagnostic tool for Parkinson's disease. The PD GeneChip will provide both social and economic benefits to Australia. It will be a key research platform for Australian scientists, and will facilitate collaboration both within Australia and overseas. It will assist with health care management of PD (Parkinson's disease) patients by providing a cost-effective diagnostic tool and the possibility of predicting the clinical course of disease. This information will provide the basis for tailoring treatment to a patients needs. It is anticipated that marketing of the PD GeneChip within Australia and overseas may produce revenue of at least $40 million annually.Read moreRead less
Linking mutant zebrafish phenotypes with their underlying genetic lesions. Zebrafish mutants have been generated with many interesting abnormalities, but to understand these abnormalities, the defective genes must be identified by positional cloning. We seek to identify the defective genes underpinning four mutants. Mutant #562 develops a normal nervous system which then undergoes rapid degeneration. The mutant flotte lotte has abnormal gut development. Two mutants with defective early blood for ....Linking mutant zebrafish phenotypes with their underlying genetic lesions. Zebrafish mutants have been generated with many interesting abnormalities, but to understand these abnormalities, the defective genes must be identified by positional cloning. We seek to identify the defective genes underpinning four mutants. Mutant #562 develops a normal nervous system which then undergoes rapid degeneration. The mutant flotte lotte has abnormal gut development. Two mutants with defective early blood formation will be studied. We will establish techniques for several steps that will be useful for all zebrafish mapping projects. We expect the genetic characterization of these mutants to provide new insights into nerve cell survival, gut development, and blood formation.Read moreRead less