Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150100091
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$341,000.00
Summary
Traffic on DNA: interplay between RNA polymerases and DNA-bound proteins. The DNA inside the cell is not just a repository of information, but is an active player in how that information is used. Proteins bind to defined locations on the DNA to control which genes are active, and genes are expressed by RNA polymerases that track along the DNA. Collisions between RNA polymerases and DNA-bound proteins can remove the proteins or block the polymerase. How can these essential processes safely coexis ....Traffic on DNA: interplay between RNA polymerases and DNA-bound proteins. The DNA inside the cell is not just a repository of information, but is an active player in how that information is used. Proteins bind to defined locations on the DNA to control which genes are active, and genes are expressed by RNA polymerases that track along the DNA. Collisions between RNA polymerases and DNA-bound proteins can remove the proteins or block the polymerase. How can these essential processes safely coexist on the DNA? The project aims to integrate systematic experiments using well-defined genetic components and mathematical modelling to understand the 'design' features of DNA and proteins that minimise these traffic problems. A better understanding could inform new strategies for manipulation of gene expression.Read moreRead less
Defining the earliest events in lymphatic vasculature formation from veins. Vascular system development is one of the earliest events that occurs in the embryo. The entire lymphatic vascular system forms from the embryo’s early veins. This project aims to define the earliest molecular and cellular changes essential to form an entire second vessel network from just a few precursor cells in the embryo. The project aims to utilise zebrafish and mouse embryos to greatly expand knowledge in the forma ....Defining the earliest events in lymphatic vasculature formation from veins. Vascular system development is one of the earliest events that occurs in the embryo. The entire lymphatic vascular system forms from the embryo’s early veins. This project aims to define the earliest molecular and cellular changes essential to form an entire second vessel network from just a few precursor cells in the embryo. The project aims to utilise zebrafish and mouse embryos to greatly expand knowledge in the formation of this essential vertebrate tissue. Ultimately, this is expected to provide new knowledge in stem and precursor cell differentiation, the evolution of complex organ systems and tissue formation. Outcomes may impact on future biotechnology in the areas of tissues engineering, stem cell differentiation and regeneration.Read moreRead less
Complex trait analyses based on genome-wide approaches. This project aims to develop whole genome approaches that can improve the estimation and prediction power by using information from the dynamic genetic architecture of complex traits (i.e. the changes of genetic characteristics and effects when varying effective population size and genetic backgrounds). The project intends to deliver advanced statistical models, efficient algorithms and design by combining data from close relatives, populat ....Complex trait analyses based on genome-wide approaches. This project aims to develop whole genome approaches that can improve the estimation and prediction power by using information from the dynamic genetic architecture of complex traits (i.e. the changes of genetic characteristics and effects when varying effective population size and genetic backgrounds). The project intends to deliver advanced statistical models, efficient algorithms and design by combining data from close relatives, population samples or from different populations (e.g. multi-ethnicities or multi-breeds). The expected outcome is to better understand the dynamic architecture of complex traits and develop methods with improved power, precision and accuracy in genomic analyses.Read moreRead less
An integrated molecular approach to human evolution. This project aims to use the power of High Throughput Sequencing to investigate a range of genetic mechanisms that facilitate rapid human adaptation to diverse environments. This project expects to create the first ultra-high-quality Aboriginal Australian reference genome using Single Molecule, Real-Time Sequencing, which will expand the known range of human genomic and non-genomic variation. The results should offer the first detailed, long- ....An integrated molecular approach to human evolution. This project aims to use the power of High Throughput Sequencing to investigate a range of genetic mechanisms that facilitate rapid human adaptation to diverse environments. This project expects to create the first ultra-high-quality Aboriginal Australian reference genome using Single Molecule, Real-Time Sequencing, which will expand the known range of human genomic and non-genomic variation. The results should offer the first detailed, long-term reconstruction of the evolutionary history of human adaptability to specific environmental and cultural stressors. Importantly, the translation of the results to biomedical research will shed new light on the origins of modern diseases.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160100620
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$378,000.00
Summary
Mechanisms of controlled gene expression in cells and organisms. The goal of this project is to reveal the nature of a cellular mechanism that has a major influence on gene expression in all eukaryotic cells. How gene expression is controlled is of fundamental importance to all life forms. The project plans to develop molecular tools that enable the visualisation and interrogation of this gene regulatory mechanism in live cells, tissues and whole organisms. The outcomes are anticipated to lead t ....Mechanisms of controlled gene expression in cells and organisms. The goal of this project is to reveal the nature of a cellular mechanism that has a major influence on gene expression in all eukaryotic cells. How gene expression is controlled is of fundamental importance to all life forms. The project plans to develop molecular tools that enable the visualisation and interrogation of this gene regulatory mechanism in live cells, tissues and whole organisms. The outcomes are anticipated to lead to an essential understanding of how cells respond to physiological and environmental cues by coordinating changes in gene expression, and to provide potential avenues towards manipulation for pharmaceutical, agricultural and biotechnology purposes.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE180100883
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,058.00
Summary
Palaeo-population genomics: studying adaptation using ancient human DNA. This project aims to apply state-of-the-art population and quantitative genetic techniques to a powerful new database of ancient human genomes - spanning from hunter gatherers and early farmers through to the Middle Ages. This will be used to build the first detailed portrait of human genetic adaptation through time. This record will capture the major socio-cultural transitions in human history, and reveal the genetic and e ....Palaeo-population genomics: studying adaptation using ancient human DNA. This project aims to apply state-of-the-art population and quantitative genetic techniques to a powerful new database of ancient human genomes - spanning from hunter gatherers and early farmers through to the Middle Ages. This will be used to build the first detailed portrait of human genetic adaptation through time. This record will capture the major socio-cultural transitions in human history, and reveal the genetic and environmental drivers that have shaped modern human genetic diversity and pathology.Read moreRead less
Non-coding RNAs in mammalian reproduction. This project aims to investigate the role of non-coding RNAs in mammalian sex chromosome biology and reproduction. Non-protein coding RNAs are a major regulatory mechanism in eukaryotic genomes; they can bind other RNAs or chromatin modifying complexes. However, the evolutionary trajectory and function of non-coding RNAs in sex chromosome biology and sexual development is largely unknown. This project will study non-coding RNAs in Australian mammals to ....Non-coding RNAs in mammalian reproduction. This project aims to investigate the role of non-coding RNAs in mammalian sex chromosome biology and reproduction. Non-protein coding RNAs are a major regulatory mechanism in eukaryotic genomes; they can bind other RNAs or chromatin modifying complexes. However, the evolutionary trajectory and function of non-coding RNAs in sex chromosome biology and sexual development is largely unknown. This project will study non-coding RNAs in Australian mammals to try to answer fundamental questions about how non-coding RNAs function in mammalian sexual development.Read moreRead less
Post-translational control of cell fate decision. Deciphering the multi-layered regulation of cell fate decisions is challenging. While progress has been made in understanding the role of transcriptional regulation, the influence of post-translational modification is poorly understood. Neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 4 (NEDD4)-mediated ubiquitination is absolute necessary for sex determination, a unique model of cell fate decision where gonadal cell precurs ....Post-translational control of cell fate decision. Deciphering the multi-layered regulation of cell fate decisions is challenging. While progress has been made in understanding the role of transcriptional regulation, the influence of post-translational modification is poorly understood. Neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 4 (NEDD4)-mediated ubiquitination is absolute necessary for sex determination, a unique model of cell fate decision where gonadal cell precursors differentiate either along the male or the female pathway. Thus, this project aims to analyse in detail at which stage NEDD4 action is required and what are the crucial target proteins. This project could provide a deeper understanding of how post-translational modifications influence cell fate decisions during embryogenesis.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100065
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,000.00
Summary
Next generation enhancement of the South Australian regional facility for molecular ecology and evolution. The new equipment will enhance opportunities for innovative research in basic biology, archaeological, agricultural, biomedical, forensic and environmental sciences. This research is critical for monitoring the nature and extent of environmental change and developing strategies to promote adaptation by species to future climate change.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100230
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,000.00
Summary
Investigating the Genetic Basis of Human Intrinsic Capacity. Intrinsic capacity is a new concept introduced by experts at the World Health Organisation to promote healthy ageing. It is defined as the composite of an individual’s physical and mental capacities, based on measures of five criteria; cognitive, sensory, locomotor, vitality and psychological. It is a genetically predetermined trait, but is influenced by a range of environmental stimuli. Applying a cutting-edge genetic methodology on b ....Investigating the Genetic Basis of Human Intrinsic Capacity. Intrinsic capacity is a new concept introduced by experts at the World Health Organisation to promote healthy ageing. It is defined as the composite of an individual’s physical and mental capacities, based on measures of five criteria; cognitive, sensory, locomotor, vitality and psychological. It is a genetically predetermined trait, but is influenced by a range of environmental stimuli. Applying a cutting-edge genetic methodology on big biobank datasets, this project aims to examine the role of genetics and the environment to explain the variability of intrinsic capacity between individuals. Understanding the biological basis of intrinsic capacity has major implications for scientific research in healthy ageing and mental wellbeing.Read moreRead less