Investigating the biogenesis and function of circular RNAs in the brain. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are e a novel class of RNA molecules produced in a wide spectrum of eukaryotic organisms, from yeast to humans. Their expression is particularly high in the nervous system in the fruit fly, mouse and humans. What mechanisms are responsible for the tissue-specific enrichment of circular RNA expression? What are the consequences of circular RNA production on gene expression? The overall goal of the pr ....Investigating the biogenesis and function of circular RNAs in the brain. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are e a novel class of RNA molecules produced in a wide spectrum of eukaryotic organisms, from yeast to humans. Their expression is particularly high in the nervous system in the fruit fly, mouse and humans. What mechanisms are responsible for the tissue-specific enrichment of circular RNA expression? What are the consequences of circular RNA production on gene expression? The overall goal of the proposed project is to elucidate these important aspects of circRNA biogenesis. Specifically, the project aims to (a) discover proteins that regulate circRNA expression, (b) elucidate how circRNA expression interacts with alternative splicing, and (c) identify circular RNAs that play regulatory roles in gene expression. Read moreRead less
How does the noncoding genome regulate gene expression in the human brain? The non-coding genome is recognized as a major player in orchestrating gene expression in higher eukaryotes. This project aims to identify regions of the human genome that are important for gene expression during neuronal differentiation and depolarisation (i.e. neural enhancers), and to investigate their evolutionary properties. The roles of non-coding DNA in regulating the dynamic gene expression patterns underlying com ....How does the noncoding genome regulate gene expression in the human brain? The non-coding genome is recognized as a major player in orchestrating gene expression in higher eukaryotes. This project aims to identify regions of the human genome that are important for gene expression during neuronal differentiation and depolarisation (i.e. neural enhancers), and to investigate their evolutionary properties. The roles of non-coding DNA in regulating the dynamic gene expression patterns underlying complex human brain functions remains to be elucidated. By combining transcriptome quantification and bioinformatics methods, this project will close an important knowledge gap in our understanding of transcriptional regulation underlying human brain function. This will provide benefits such as the potential to influence public health policy including in cognitive functions and aging.Read moreRead less
Commensal benefits: genomic basis for suppressing plant pathogens with Pseudomonas biocontrol species. Food security is an issue of mounting significance due to unpredictable climate trends and increasing global population growth. A feature of paramount importance to reliable crop production is the capacity to control plant diseases. This project investigates natural plant colonising bacteria as a tool for protecting plants from disease.
How to build the head: A molecular mechanistic insight. This project aims to gain an insight into the functional output of the gene regulatory network and the molecular determinants that are critical for the formation of the head. Genome-wide sequencing technologies are employed to identify the ensemble of genes that are regulated by Lhx1. By a combination of bioinformatics analysis and a system biology approach, the project aims to build a model of the network of the interacting genes for head ....How to build the head: A molecular mechanistic insight. This project aims to gain an insight into the functional output of the gene regulatory network and the molecular determinants that are critical for the formation of the head. Genome-wide sequencing technologies are employed to identify the ensemble of genes that are regulated by Lhx1. By a combination of bioinformatics analysis and a system biology approach, the project aims to build a model of the network of the interacting genes for head development, and to characterise the function of selected components of this network to refine its architecture and define the dynamics of the network. The knowledge may improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism underpinning the naturally-occurring variation in the forms of major body parts, and of how genes and signals work cooperatively to build an embryo.Read moreRead less
Empirical and computational solutions for multi-omics single-cell assays. Emerging single-cell sequencing technologies are transforming molecular cell biology, but identifying novel cell types and their functions requires the integration of highly heterogeneous data. The development of computational methods able to extract biologically relevant results is hindered by the lack of high-quality datasets. This project aims to develop novel sequencing methodologies and generate data to drive our dime ....Empirical and computational solutions for multi-omics single-cell assays. Emerging single-cell sequencing technologies are transforming molecular cell biology, but identifying novel cell types and their functions requires the integration of highly heterogeneous data. The development of computational methods able to extract biologically relevant results is hindered by the lack of high-quality datasets. This project aims to develop novel sequencing methodologies and generate data to drive our dimension reduction multivariate method developments for data integration. By combining in silico and in vivo approaches, the project is anticipated to benefit scientists willing to work in cutting-edge single-cell research by providing useful protocols and tools to generate novel insights in cell biology. Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100007
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$650,000.00
Summary
A research platform for exploring the genotype: phenotype nexus. This project will allow us to connect the genetic code of an organism with its characteristic traits that are essential for its survival. The equipment will accelerate research that performs this translation, and will allow leading Australian scientists to continue to make breakthroughs in this field globally.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100759
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,000.00
Summary
Trans-omic networks: A machine learning and omics integration approach. This project aims to map and model ‘trans-omic’ networks that cut through omic layers using machine learning and multi-omic data integration. Global networks regulated by molecular programs, including signalling, epigenetic, transcriptional and translational regulation, orchestrate cellular functions. Technological advances can profile these molecular programmes, giving rise to various ‘omics’. However, data generated from e ....Trans-omic networks: A machine learning and omics integration approach. This project aims to map and model ‘trans-omic’ networks that cut through omic layers using machine learning and multi-omic data integration. Global networks regulated by molecular programs, including signalling, epigenetic, transcriptional and translational regulation, orchestrate cellular functions. Technological advances can profile these molecular programmes, giving rise to various ‘omics’. However, data generated from each omic layer are predominantly analysed separately owing to their heterogeneity. To understand cellular functions in its entirety, it is essential to interpret omic data across multiple omic layers. Applying this project’s methods is expected to improve use of omics data and fundamental molecular programs.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE140100114
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,000.00
Summary
High Throughput Cell Genomics Centre. High throughput cell genomics centre: This project will establish a high throughput cell genomics centre comprising a Fluidigm C1™ Single-Cell AutoPrep and BioMark™ HD system providing researchers with the most innovative approach to single cell and small population analyses. The instruments will enable the unique capability to conduct single cell transcriptome analysis and high throughput gene expression, SNP genotyping and copy number variation analysis as ....High Throughput Cell Genomics Centre. High throughput cell genomics centre: This project will establish a high throughput cell genomics centre comprising a Fluidigm C1™ Single-Cell AutoPrep and BioMark™ HD system providing researchers with the most innovative approach to single cell and small population analyses. The instruments will enable the unique capability to conduct single cell transcriptome analysis and high throughput gene expression, SNP genotyping and copy number variation analysis as well as validation of next generation sequencing data. The information generated is crucial to advancing knowledge in important research fields including infection and immunity, regenerative medicine, immune responses, biomarker discovery, drug discovery, biotechnology and agriculture.Read moreRead less