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
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
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
Fragment based screening to deliver drugs targeting tuberculosis and the gametocyte and liver stages of Plasmodium. This project will identify natural products that bind to critical proteins in malaria and tuberculosis to discover new ways to treat these diseases.
Discovery and characterisation of novel spider-venom peptides targeting the human sodium ion channel Nav1.7. Drugs that selectively block the human sodium ion channel Nav1.7 are likely to be powerful analgesics for treating a wide variety of pain conditions. However, it has proved difficult to obtain selective blockers of this channel. The aim of this project is to determine whether spider-venoms might provide a source of highly selective Nav1.7 blockers.
Anticancer Agents from Australian Marine Biodiversity. This project aims to initiate a proof of concept research collaboration in order to detect, isolate, characterise, identify and evaluate new marine anticancer drugs. This will be achieved through screening Australian marine biodiversity for the ability to inhibit key processes in tumor cell physiology. Significant outcomes from the project will not only be targets that yield new anticancer agents, but also the participation of Australian r ....Anticancer Agents from Australian Marine Biodiversity. This project aims to initiate a proof of concept research collaboration in order to detect, isolate, characterise, identify and evaluate new marine anticancer drugs. This will be achieved through screening Australian marine biodiversity for the ability to inhibit key processes in tumor cell physiology. Significant outcomes from the project will not only be targets that yield new anticancer agents, but also the participation of Australian researchers in the environmentally sustainable exploration, discovery and development of next generation anticancer drugs from Australia's unique marine biodiversity. Read moreRead less
Innovations in peptide-based drug design. This project will aim to develop new types of drugs that fill a gap between existing small molecule drugs, which are relatively inexpensive and stable, but often have side-effects, and biologics which are very expensive and require injection. Our new generation of peptide-based drugs promise to be applicable to diseases that are not treatable by current drugs.
Novel strategies in the design and development of antivirals against dengue virus. Globally, there are 50-100 million cases of dengue fever, with 500,000 cases of the more severe dengue haemorrhagic fever, each year. Australia has between 100 and 900 cases of dengue infection annually, often from travellers, but disease outbreaks occur in northern Australia. Effective anti-viral treatment will reduce disease burden. The project contributes to an evidence-based drug design program in collaboratio ....Novel strategies in the design and development of antivirals against dengue virus. Globally, there are 50-100 million cases of dengue fever, with 500,000 cases of the more severe dengue haemorrhagic fever, each year. Australia has between 100 and 900 cases of dengue infection annually, often from travellers, but disease outbreaks occur in northern Australia. Effective anti-viral treatment will reduce disease burden. The project contributes to an evidence-based drug design program in collaboration with Australia's leading biotechnology industries. As a biotechnology industry project developing treatments for an emerging disease, it contributes to the national research priorities of Frontier technologies for building and transforming Australian industries, Promoting and maintaining good health and Safeguarding Australia.Read moreRead less
STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS IN PLANT EXTRACTS WITH POTENTIAL FOR THE CONTROL OF OVINE LICE AND PARASITIC WORMS. The control of lice and parasitic worms are two of the major problems currently confronting the Australian sheep industry. Several plant extracts utilized in traditional medicine have shown a remarkable efficacy in the control of these pests in humans. This project will investigate the sheep lousicidal and anthelmintic activity of a number of plants, and identif ....STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS IN PLANT EXTRACTS WITH POTENTIAL FOR THE CONTROL OF OVINE LICE AND PARASITIC WORMS. The control of lice and parasitic worms are two of the major problems currently confronting the Australian sheep industry. Several plant extracts utilized in traditional medicine have shown a remarkable efficacy in the control of these pests in humans. This project will investigate the sheep lousicidal and anthelmintic activity of a number of plants, and identify and chemically characterize the active constituents. This research will lead to the production of more environmentally friendly pest control methods and overcome problems of insecticidal resistance currently facing the industry.Read moreRead less