Functional characterisation of poly-histidine triad proteins. This project aims to understand the role and function of a novel family of surface proteins produced by Streptococci. These so-called polyhistidine triad proteins are known to contribute to capacity to cause disease in animals and humans, but we need to know how they work, as they may be excellent targets for novel drugs or vaccines.
Novel perspectives on the function of AB5 toxin B subunits in pathogenic bacterial. AB5 toxins are produced by bacteria that cause important diseases in humans and livestock. This project tests the hypothesis that the components of the toxins responsible for binding to host cells and tissues also directly contribute to cellular damage, thereby providing a better understanding of how AB5 toxin-producing bacteria cause disease.
The regulation of gene expression by post-translational modification of transcription factors. Different cells in the body express different subsets of our genes, and it is not well understood how cells know which genes to switch on and which to switch off in a given situation. We will investigate the way in which chemical tags are put onto and removed from the molecules that control gene expression in order to direct their function.
Identification of the basic elements of Plasmodium transcription. This Discovery Project falls under the NRP for safeguarding Australia. Australian troops stationed in malaria endemic areas face the threat of infection and require medical attention upon return.Any research on malaria will expand our knowledge on prevention and treatment. Australia near malariaendemic locations such as Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.These countries do not have the means to support effective basic research into ....Identification of the basic elements of Plasmodium transcription. This Discovery Project falls under the NRP for safeguarding Australia. Australian troops stationed in malaria endemic areas face the threat of infection and require medical attention upon return.Any research on malaria will expand our knowledge on prevention and treatment. Australia near malariaendemic locations such as Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.These countries do not have the means to support effective basic research into the disease and wealthier countries such as Australia have the responsibility to fill this void.Furthermore, the aims of this Discovery Project are unique within the Australian malaria research community and the results fully complement other studies on transcription regulation of antigenic genes. Read moreRead less
Understanding the mechanisms that regulate the human signal recognition particle cycle. The precise cellular localisation of proteins is a fundamental process in cell biology required for survival. The aim of this project is to understand the mechanisms by which the human signal recognition particle delivers newly translated proteins to their cognate cellular location.
Novel target of amiloride analogues - picornaviral RNA polymerase. Picornaviruses cause a range of diseases such as poliomyelitis, meningitis, myocarditis, hepatitis A, neonatal sepsis and common cold. No antiviral treatment is available for these infections. Nearly 50% of antiviral drugs used in medicine are viral polymerase inhibitors; however picornaviral RNA polymerase has been largely overlooked as a drug target. We have discovered a group of compounds that inhibit picornaviral RNA polymera ....Novel target of amiloride analogues - picornaviral RNA polymerase. Picornaviruses cause a range of diseases such as poliomyelitis, meningitis, myocarditis, hepatitis A, neonatal sepsis and common cold. No antiviral treatment is available for these infections. Nearly 50% of antiviral drugs used in medicine are viral polymerase inhibitors; however picornaviral RNA polymerase has been largely overlooked as a drug target. We have discovered a group of compounds that inhibit picornaviral RNA polymerase. This project aims to define the inhibition mechanism and to evaluate a potential use of these compounds for antiviral drug development.Read moreRead less
Unified platform for real time QA in radiation therapy in brachytherapy based on high resolution silicon detectors (Magic Plate). This project will design and manufacture new devices for measuring the amount of radiation given to the patient during radiotherapy. This will improve the accuracy and safety of cancer treatment as well as greatly reducing the time needed to perform essential safety checks.
Novel imaging technologies for continuous measurement of tracer kinetics in awake animals. The fates of biologically relevant molecules, such as proteins and antibodies, in the body are fundamentally important for understanding the mechanisms and treatment of disease. This project will enable for the first time continuous imaging of the location and time course of labelled molecules in conscious, freely moving animals.
Drug targets in the relict plastid of malaria parasites. Malaria is a major world health problem and new drugs are needed urgently. Essential genes are potentially excellent targets for anti-malarial drugs. This project will use a novel strategy to identify genes that the parasite cannot exist without. Function and drug potential of these genes will be explored.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Inhomogeneous Magnetic Fields-Part A: The Development of Imaging Methods Using Even Order Zonal Fields. Part B: Slice Correction Due to Non-linear Gradient Fields. The primary aims of this project are to contribute to the new generation of MRI methodologies through technical innovation, with particular emphasis on NMR imaging under inhomogeneous magnetic fields. The new techniques will be of enormous benefit for superconducting magnet design, reducing material usage ....Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Inhomogeneous Magnetic Fields-Part A: The Development of Imaging Methods Using Even Order Zonal Fields. Part B: Slice Correction Due to Non-linear Gradient Fields. The primary aims of this project are to contribute to the new generation of MRI methodologies through technical innovation, with particular emphasis on NMR imaging under inhomogeneous magnetic fields. The new techniques will be of enormous benefit for superconducting magnet design, reducing material usage, and eliminating the need for the expensive post-production shimming process. The entailed project is extremely challenging, while preliminary calculations presented in this application show some progress towards demonstration of feasibility. The program is an ambitious one with a full R&D program over 3 years, which will provide leadership, and to both foster and focus research interest in Australian engineering and scientific endeavors in the field of Magnetic Resonance technology.Read moreRead less