Novel bioinformatics approaches for biological inference from comparative genomics data. Unlocking the potential of the human and other genome sequences depends almost entirely upon comparative genomics techniques. We will develop powerful bioinformatic models, implemented as high-performance computing solutions, for the examination of gene sequences. Improving these models, which represent the initial building block for all comparative genomics techniques, will be beneficial across genomics dep ....Novel bioinformatics approaches for biological inference from comparative genomics data. Unlocking the potential of the human and other genome sequences depends almost entirely upon comparative genomics techniques. We will develop powerful bioinformatic models, implemented as high-performance computing solutions, for the examination of gene sequences. Improving these models, which represent the initial building block for all comparative genomics techniques, will be beneficial across genomics dependent industries. A major outcome from this work will be an integrated software/hardware product optimised for statistical examination of very large-scale genomics data.Read moreRead less
Challenging current dogma on the inheritance of mitochondrial DNA. Mutations in mitochondrial DNA are often used to infer genetic relationships and have been associated with the expression of human diseases. This project examines the exact mechanism of inheritance of mitochondrial genes to enhance biological interpretations and our understanding of the heritability of specific diseases.
Evolution and function of fragmented animal mitochondrial genomes. This project will reveal why animal mitochondrial genomes are in pieces, and how fragmented mitochondrial genomes evolve and function. This project will discover whether or not fragmented mitochondrial genomes have functional advantages. Knowledge generated from this project will lead to new approaches to mitochondrial genetic diseases in humans.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120100723
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
The inheritance of epigenetic information in mammals. This project aims to understand how biological information can be passed from one generation to the next without being encoded in the genes. This may explain questions as diverse as why twins look subtly different and why some families are more likely than others to suffer disease.
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL170100008
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,248,822.00
Summary
Genes, reproduction and inheritance in a microbe. The project aims to particularly explore sexual gene inheritance in Plasmodium, a representative of a large group of human and animal parasites. Plasmodium must have a sexual exchange of genes in the mosquito for the transfer of disease to a new host. This project will investigate the fate and behaviour of Plasmodium genes during reproduction; the differing chromosome states resulting from sexual genetic processes and the asymmetrical inheritance ....Genes, reproduction and inheritance in a microbe. The project aims to particularly explore sexual gene inheritance in Plasmodium, a representative of a large group of human and animal parasites. Plasmodium must have a sexual exchange of genes in the mosquito for the transfer of disease to a new host. This project will investigate the fate and behaviour of Plasmodium genes during reproduction; the differing chromosome states resulting from sexual genetic processes and the asymmetrical inheritance of some Plasmodium genes. The project is expected to advance Australia’s ability to understand the reproduction and survival of these parasites in their mosquito vector and develop cutting-edge genetic tools that will advance the microbial genetics discipline globally. This may ultimately lead to biotechnology and biomedical outcomes.Read moreRead less
Refining the timescale of human evolution and dispersal using ancient DNA. Understanding the timescale of human evolution and migration is a key goal of genetic analysis. It provides the foundation for studying our evolutionary and demographic history, our relationships to other hominids and our impact on the natural world. This project aims to use ancient DNA data to improve estimates of our evolutionary timescale.
Further Genetic and Molecular studies of an Important Prokaryotic Regulator Protein TyrR. Genomes encode many functions whose expression varies dramatically depending on particular cellular environments. Special proteins called Regulator Proteins act as sensors to detect subtle changes in the environment and, in response, to influence the expression of certain genes either dampening them down or stimulating their activity. We are working with the TyrR regulator protein of the simple bacterium E ....Further Genetic and Molecular studies of an Important Prokaryotic Regulator Protein TyrR. Genomes encode many functions whose expression varies dramatically depending on particular cellular environments. Special proteins called Regulator Proteins act as sensors to detect subtle changes in the environment and, in response, to influence the expression of certain genes either dampening them down or stimulating their activity. We are working with the TyrR regulator protein of the simple bacterium Escherichia coli to elucidate the molecular strategies used in these controls. Because this protein controls the expression of a number of genes with diverse functions, evolution has selected equally diverse mechanisms to achieve appropriate transcriptional responses. The detailed knowledge of the E.coli genome and of the various genes regulated by TyrR make it an excellent system for such fundamental studies.Read moreRead less
Transcriptome sequencing and functional characterisation of craniate non-visual sensory systems and their adaptation to diverse light environments. Light detection (photoreception) is critical to species survival. It is not limited to vision, but also serves to set biological rhythms. In mammals, all photoreception is thought to occur solely through the eye, but in non-mammals many other tissues directly monitor light levels. However, the signalling cascades and functional roles of these non-vis ....Transcriptome sequencing and functional characterisation of craniate non-visual sensory systems and their adaptation to diverse light environments. Light detection (photoreception) is critical to species survival. It is not limited to vision, but also serves to set biological rhythms. In mammals, all photoreception is thought to occur solely through the eye, but in non-mammals many other tissues directly monitor light levels. However, the signalling cascades and functional roles of these non-visual pathways are largely unknown. This project will use high-throughput sequencing technologies and functional analyses to trace the origin and function of different irradiance detection systems in each main craniate class. By comparing species from diverse photic habitats, the influence of light as a substrate for adaptation will be investigated.Read moreRead less
Genetic architecture of species divergence and hybridisation in eucalypts. Eucalypts are an icon of Australia and are of great economic and ecological significance to the nation. They are the most widely planted hardwood trees in the world, but Australia is the centre of origin of most species and the custodian of this important native bioresource. Understanding the evolutionary processes that shape diversity in this internationally significant genus is important for its long-term management a ....Genetic architecture of species divergence and hybridisation in eucalypts. Eucalypts are an icon of Australia and are of great economic and ecological significance to the nation. They are the most widely planted hardwood trees in the world, but Australia is the centre of origin of most species and the custodian of this important native bioresource. Understanding the evolutionary processes that shape diversity in this internationally significant genus is important for its long-term management and conservation. This project links to large international initiatives currently underway for high-density mapping and sequencing of the eucalypt genome, to enhance the flow of information gained back to Australia for scientific, economic and environmental benefit.Read moreRead less
The early marsupial embryo - a missing link in vertebrate development. Most of our knowledge of early development comes from one species, the mouse, but it is not known how similar it is to other mammals or even other vertebrates such as birds and reptiles. Using a marsupial model, the tammar wallaby, the project aims to identify mechanisms that are fundamental to mammals and those that are more evolutionarily plastic.