Decoding regulatory RNA function in bacteria. All complex biological processes in bacterial cells appear to utilise regulatory small RNAs to control gene expression, but we lack a systems-level understanding of their functions and mechanisms of control. This proposal aims to address this fundamental knowledge gap using machine learning and cutting-edge, systems-level techniques to determine how small RNA sequence and structure determines function. Small RNAs have been found to control a broad ra ....Decoding regulatory RNA function in bacteria. All complex biological processes in bacterial cells appear to utilise regulatory small RNAs to control gene expression, but we lack a systems-level understanding of their functions and mechanisms of control. This proposal aims to address this fundamental knowledge gap using machine learning and cutting-edge, systems-level techniques to determine how small RNA sequence and structure determines function. Small RNAs have been found to control a broad range of traits including metabolism, biofilm formation, antibiotic tolerance, and virulence. The work proposed here will enhance our ability to predict and control bacterial gene expression with potential future impacts on bioproduction, synthetic biology, and veterinary and medical microbiology.Read moreRead less
Metabolic control of gene expression networks and microbiome interactions. The proposal aims to advance our understanding of how metabolism (and resulting metabolites) regulate the expression of genes, and investigate how these processes dictate the interaction of microbiota with the immune system. The project is expected to generate transformative knowledge of gene regulation, a fundamental process for cellular function, and decipher how the microbiome yeast Candida albicans interacts with immu ....Metabolic control of gene expression networks and microbiome interactions. The proposal aims to advance our understanding of how metabolism (and resulting metabolites) regulate the expression of genes, and investigate how these processes dictate the interaction of microbiota with the immune system. The project is expected to generate transformative knowledge of gene regulation, a fundamental process for cellular function, and decipher how the microbiome yeast Candida albicans interacts with immune cells and bacteria. By utilising a powerful combination of molecular and systems biology with molecular genetics and imaging, the project outcomes should foster interdisciplinary collaborations and build capacity for fundamental and applied research to benefit academia and industry, locally and globally.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140101728
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,220.00
Summary
The regulation and evolution of posttranscriptional gene networks. The ability of cells to regulate gene expression is key for organism development, adaptation to new environments and evolutionary changes that shape the diversity of life on Earth. This project studies the RNA binding proteins called PUFs which are central for gene expression in diverse organisms. Using cutting-edge new generation systems biology approaches, this project will study how PUF proteins regulate genes to enable metabo ....The regulation and evolution of posttranscriptional gene networks. The ability of cells to regulate gene expression is key for organism development, adaptation to new environments and evolutionary changes that shape the diversity of life on Earth. This project studies the RNA binding proteins called PUFs which are central for gene expression in diverse organisms. Using cutting-edge new generation systems biology approaches, this project will study how PUF proteins regulate genes to enable metabolic adaptation, differentiation of cell types and the evolution of new gene expression outputs in distinct biological species. The outcomes will include new insights into the regulation and evolution of posttranscriptional gene networks. Read moreRead less
Discovery of bioactive natural substances from uncultured bacteria and their production using photosynthetic reactor technology. The range and rate of natural product discovery is the limiting factor in developing new therapies for cancer and infectious disease. This research will enable the discovery of new drugs, coupled to their production in a photosynthetic expression system. This represents a truly “green” and sustainable technology for the pharmaceutical industry.
How do Microbes Grow in High Salt at Very Cold Temperatures. The proposed research aims to define mechanisms of survival and speciation that underpin the capacity of a novel group of Antarctic microorganisms to evolve dominance in their very cold (-20 degrees Celsius) and very salty environment. Most (~85 per cent) of the Earth's biosphere is cold (<5 degrees Celsius), and yet contains a rich diversity of microorganisms of which we know little. The uniqueness and sensitivity of Antarctica partic ....How do Microbes Grow in High Salt at Very Cold Temperatures. The proposed research aims to define mechanisms of survival and speciation that underpin the capacity of a novel group of Antarctic microorganisms to evolve dominance in their very cold (-20 degrees Celsius) and very salty environment. Most (~85 per cent) of the Earth's biosphere is cold (<5 degrees Celsius), and yet contains a rich diversity of microorganisms of which we know little. The uniqueness and sensitivity of Antarctica particularly demands that we rapidly improve our understanding of its biology. The discoveries made could provide fundamental insight about speciation - processes controlling which life forms that colonise the planet.Read moreRead less
Genetic regulation of developmental competence: molecular mechanisms that establish a competent state. Development is a key biological process for multicellular life. This project will study development using a simple, established experimental organism, a fungus, as a model for development in other organisms, including humans. Moreover, fungi directly impact on life at many levels and understanding their biology has direct benefits for society.