Gene regulation by retroelement encoded natural antisense transcripts. Genetic information underpins all life on earth and is processed to make proteins, which determine the characteristics of an organism. However, only about 2% of our whole genome is made up of genes that encode proteins; the other 98% is non-coding and its function remains poorly understood. Aims and Significance: This proposal aims to utilise cutting edge genomic technologies to generate new knowledge about how the non-coding ....Gene regulation by retroelement encoded natural antisense transcripts. Genetic information underpins all life on earth and is processed to make proteins, which determine the characteristics of an organism. However, only about 2% of our whole genome is made up of genes that encode proteins; the other 98% is non-coding and its function remains poorly understood. Aims and Significance: This proposal aims to utilise cutting edge genomic technologies to generate new knowledge about how the non-coding genome regulates the expression of protein coding genes. Expected Outcomes and Benefits: This proposal will provide novel targets and methodology for gene modulation with broad applications from biology to environmental sciences.Read moreRead less
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