Probing the four photosynthetic membrane protein complexes at work in situ in leaves. This proposal aims at sustainable improvements in plant productivity and photosynthetic adaptation in drastic Australian climates. In photosynthesis, membranes with the four multiprotein complexes use sunlight to make compounds that drive carbon assimilation. Instead of the usual dissection of photosynthetic membranes, this project will develop and refine the applicant's rapid, reliable, non-intrusive technique ....Probing the four photosynthetic membrane protein complexes at work in situ in leaves. This proposal aims at sustainable improvements in plant productivity and photosynthetic adaptation in drastic Australian climates. In photosynthesis, membranes with the four multiprotein complexes use sunlight to make compounds that drive carbon assimilation. Instead of the usual dissection of photosynthetic membranes, this project will develop and refine the applicant's rapid, reliable, non-intrusive techniques to probe the four membrane complexes at work in their native state in leaves. Two portable commercial instruments will potentially emerge from the techniques. This novel non-reductionist approach will identify key limitations to photosynthetic performance under stress, and insights into improvements for primary plant productivity.Read moreRead less
The cellulose synthase complex of the Arabidopsis primary cell wall. The polysaccharide cellulose is the basis for the wood and cotton fibre industries of Australia and much of our research on the mechanism of synthesis has been supported by those industries over the past decade. The present project focuses on the proteins making cellulose and how they organised into functional complexes that are able to make cellulose. The knowledge it provides, together with that from other projects, will move ....The cellulose synthase complex of the Arabidopsis primary cell wall. The polysaccharide cellulose is the basis for the wood and cotton fibre industries of Australia and much of our research on the mechanism of synthesis has been supported by those industries over the past decade. The present project focuses on the proteins making cellulose and how they organised into functional complexes that are able to make cellulose. The knowledge it provides, together with that from other projects, will move us towards the situation where we can manipulate the rate at which cellulose is produced and change its detailed properties. This opens the way to industry producing fibres with more desirable properties and producing novel cellulose-based materials tailored to specific applications.Read moreRead less
Functional Genomic Analysis of Exported DNAJ Molecules in the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria is not only a global health problem, but also affects countries surrounding Australia like PNG and Indonesia, reducing the region's stability and prosperity. Environmental changes and increased mobility of people (eg. aid and security personnel) make Australia itself more prone to malaria. The project will translate recent genomic data into functional insights using frontier technology t ....Functional Genomic Analysis of Exported DNAJ Molecules in the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria is not only a global health problem, but also affects countries surrounding Australia like PNG and Indonesia, reducing the region's stability and prosperity. Environmental changes and increased mobility of people (eg. aid and security personnel) make Australia itself more prone to malaria. The project will translate recent genomic data into functional insights using frontier technology to identify new intervention targets for P. falciparum infection. Developing novel targets is mandated by humanity, and also to safeguard Australia's region against the social and economical implication of this disease. An Australian developed intervention would increase the global visibility of its science, leading to increased investments.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