Applying the CCK framework to angiogenic-based therapeutics. The aim of this project is to graft peptides involved in angiogenesis-related disorders onto a mini-protein framework. The cyclic cystine knot (CCK) framework is a plant based protein framework that has unique structural properties that make it exceptionally stable. The significance of this project is that the framework has the potential to overcome the limitations that are generally associated with peptide-based therapeutics, includin ....Applying the CCK framework to angiogenic-based therapeutics. The aim of this project is to graft peptides involved in angiogenesis-related disorders onto a mini-protein framework. The cyclic cystine knot (CCK) framework is a plant based protein framework that has unique structural properties that make it exceptionally stable. The significance of this project is that the framework has the potential to overcome the limitations that are generally associated with peptide-based therapeutics, including poor stability and bioavailability. Vastly improved therapeutic leads may be produced from this approach.Read moreRead less
What is in therapeutically prescribed herbal medicines? Phytochemical characterisation of steroidal saponins from two popular nutraceuticals, False Unicorn and Tribulus terrestris. Plants containing steroidal saponins have long been used as therapeutic products, but their active constituents remain poorly characterized. This project aims to identify and structurally characterize steroidal saponins from False Unicorn and Tribulus terrestris, two popular nutraceuticals which are currently marketed ....What is in therapeutically prescribed herbal medicines? Phytochemical characterisation of steroidal saponins from two popular nutraceuticals, False Unicorn and Tribulus terrestris. Plants containing steroidal saponins have long been used as therapeutic products, but their active constituents remain poorly characterized. This project aims to identify and structurally characterize steroidal saponins from False Unicorn and Tribulus terrestris, two popular nutraceuticals which are currently marketed in Australia. Existing knowledge of these saponin constituents is surprisingly incomplete and inaccurate. Full structural elucidation will enable the development of 'standardised' herbal saponin profiles for better control of product quality and will allow alternatives for the herbs to be chosen, which cannot be undertaken until this composition is known. A phytochemical survey of Australian Tribulus terrestris will determine whether this native sub-species is suitable for commercial harvest.Read moreRead less
Structure-based design of inhibitors of HIV-1 integrase. This project will produce compounds that block human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication. These compounds will benefit the 17000 Australians and more than 34 million people worldwide who are currently suffering with this terrible disease.
The Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel Bivalent Dopamine D2 and Adenosine A2A Ligands for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease. This program will significantly contribute to the training of highly qualified personnel in the area of organic and medicinal chemistry where there is currently a national shortage. Other benefits are the capacity to advance this critical research in PD and potentially provide substantial national competitive advantages and growth opportunities in the glo ....The Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel Bivalent Dopamine D2 and Adenosine A2A Ligands for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease. This program will significantly contribute to the training of highly qualified personnel in the area of organic and medicinal chemistry where there is currently a national shortage. Other benefits are the capacity to advance this critical research in PD and potentially provide substantial national competitive advantages and growth opportunities in the global anti-Parkinsonian therapeutics market.Read moreRead less
Applications of the Polonovski Reaction in the Synthesis of Bioactive Opiates. This program will contribute to the training of highly qualified personnel in the area of organic and medicinal chemistry. It will also address the development of improved processes for the large scale preparation of semi-synthetic pharmaceutical opiates in support of one of Australia's important export industries. Furthermore, a greater understanding of the structure-activity relationships of noscapine will make a ....Applications of the Polonovski Reaction in the Synthesis of Bioactive Opiates. This program will contribute to the training of highly qualified personnel in the area of organic and medicinal chemistry. It will also address the development of improved processes for the large scale preparation of semi-synthetic pharmaceutical opiates in support of one of Australia's important export industries. Furthermore, a greater understanding of the structure-activity relationships of noscapine will make a contribution to the overall search for improved anti-cancer agents.Read moreRead less
CHARACTERISATION OF NOVEL BIOACTIVES FROM AUSTRALIAN HONEY WITH THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL. Honey from specific Australian flowering plants has been identified that contain significant therapeutic properties in wound healing and other treatments. The research project proposed will identify and fully characterise the bioactive components of selected Australian honey (Medihoney) with antibiotic and growth promoting activites. These aims will be supported by high resolution mass spectrometry interfaced ....CHARACTERISATION OF NOVEL BIOACTIVES FROM AUSTRALIAN HONEY WITH THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL. Honey from specific Australian flowering plants has been identified that contain significant therapeutic properties in wound healing and other treatments. The research project proposed will identify and fully characterise the bioactive components of selected Australian honey (Medihoney) with antibiotic and growth promoting activites. These aims will be supported by high resolution mass spectrometry interfaced with HPLC and or affinity chip surfaces, 750 MHz NMR analysis and a range of relevant bioassays on specific organisms and cell lines. These outcomes will not only enhance the value of current honey-based products but have the potential to identify new therapeutic lead molecules.Read moreRead less
The discovery and validation of novel drug classes against parasites with the potential for major economic impacts. This project will develop a quality scientific and technological program in national priority areas, leading to a strong basic research, new concepts and the enhanced international collaborative links; strengthen links between basic and applied research, and academia and industry; develop excellence via pan-Australian collaborations, resulting in a more efficient use of resources i ....The discovery and validation of novel drug classes against parasites with the potential for major economic impacts. This project will develop a quality scientific and technological program in national priority areas, leading to a strong basic research, new concepts and the enhanced international collaborative links; strengthen links between basic and applied research, and academia and industry; develop excellence via pan-Australian collaborations, resulting in a more efficient use of resources in a national and international context; enhance the skills-base in biology, biotechnology and chemistry; increase global visibility with increased investment in Australian science; improve animal welfare and production via improved control of infectious diseases; producing commercial products with benefits to agricultural producers in regional & rural communities.Read moreRead less
A combinatorial approach to creation of new epitopes with biological activity. We aim to develop and extend the Mosaic technology patented by Proxima Concepts Ltd. as a new methodolgy for dynamic combinatorial chemistry and drug delivery. The technology relies on bringing chemical structures of interest in close proximity by presenting them on the surface of a micelle type structure. These structures will also be developed at a targeted drug delivery vehicle. The technology will impact on the ....A combinatorial approach to creation of new epitopes with biological activity. We aim to develop and extend the Mosaic technology patented by Proxima Concepts Ltd. as a new methodolgy for dynamic combinatorial chemistry and drug delivery. The technology relies on bringing chemical structures of interest in close proximity by presenting them on the surface of a micelle type structure. These structures will also be developed at a targeted drug delivery vehicle. The technology will impact on the areas of drug discovery and drug delivery.Read moreRead less
Copper and gallium radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnosis and therapy of cancer. The goal of this project is to develop the chemistry required to prepare molecular imaging and therapeutic agents for the diagnosis and treatment of certain types of cancer.
Novel chemoenzymatic synthesis and bioconjugation of peptides and proteins. This project aims to solve the critical difficulty of producing the complex peptide insulin and related insulin-like peptides (INSLs) and their analogues. The project will use unique, recyclable enzymes which ligate smaller peptide segments with extraordinary site and substrate selectivity. The expected outcome of the project is novel, cheaper and scalable, enzyme-mediated engineering of this critical class of peptides a ....Novel chemoenzymatic synthesis and bioconjugation of peptides and proteins. This project aims to solve the critical difficulty of producing the complex peptide insulin and related insulin-like peptides (INSLs) and their analogues. The project will use unique, recyclable enzymes which ligate smaller peptide segments with extraordinary site and substrate selectivity. The expected outcome of the project is novel, cheaper and scalable, enzyme-mediated engineering of this critical class of peptides as biological probes and potential therapeutic agents.Read moreRead less