The control of archaeal cell structure by tubulin-family proteins. The objective of this project is to deliver new insights into the evolution and diversity of cell structure and function. Cell theory has been a cornerstone of biology for over 150 years. Yet how early cells developed into modern forms is still a mystery. The primitive and poorly understood third domain of life, Archaea, could hold clues. Recently, proteins were discovered in archaea that are related to the tubulin proteins of al ....The control of archaeal cell structure by tubulin-family proteins. The objective of this project is to deliver new insights into the evolution and diversity of cell structure and function. Cell theory has been a cornerstone of biology for over 150 years. Yet how early cells developed into modern forms is still a mystery. The primitive and poorly understood third domain of life, Archaea, could hold clues. Recently, proteins were discovered in archaea that are related to the tubulin proteins of all higher organisms, which provide the structural framework of cells essential for survival. This project aims to reveal the basis of how the archaeal tubulin proteins control cell shape in response to environmental change, and to develop a new paradigm for archaeal cell biology. This may find application in Australia's biotechnology industries.Read moreRead less
The role of central carbon metabolism in cell cycle control in bacteria. Bacteria are simple organisms, yet we still do not understand how they coordinate their growth with their reproduction so faithfully, generation after generation, to produce viable newborn cells. The new discovery of a link between the food bacteria eat and the first stage of their cell division now provides the opportunity to elucidate how bacteria 'measure' their energy production to control their proliferation. This proj ....The role of central carbon metabolism in cell cycle control in bacteria. Bacteria are simple organisms, yet we still do not understand how they coordinate their growth with their reproduction so faithfully, generation after generation, to produce viable newborn cells. The new discovery of a link between the food bacteria eat and the first stage of their cell division now provides the opportunity to elucidate how bacteria 'measure' their energy production to control their proliferation. This project combines the latest technology with complementary expertise in bacterial cell division and metabolism. This should identify the mechanism that integrates these fundamental pathways in bacteria, crucial to both their survival and ability to cause infection.Read moreRead less
Identifying how bacterial cells find their middle: a new perspective. This project will reveal new information about how bacterial cells divide with high precision to ensure that each newborn cell contains the correct genetic material. The research uses frontier techniques, provides innovative training to young Australian researchers, and will identify new ways to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Understanding bacteriophage deactivation and stabilisation in formulations. Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that kill pathogenic bacteria without causing harms to the eco-balance. They can provide a safe and highly effective antimicrobial measure for biocontrol when formulated properly. This project aims to develop a mechanistic understanding of the physicochemical factors responsible for stabilising and deactivating phages in a wide range of formulations. It will create new knowledge on ke ....Understanding bacteriophage deactivation and stabilisation in formulations. Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that kill pathogenic bacteria without causing harms to the eco-balance. They can provide a safe and highly effective antimicrobial measure for biocontrol when formulated properly. This project aims to develop a mechanistic understanding of the physicochemical factors responsible for stabilising and deactivating phages in a wide range of formulations. It will create new knowledge on key relationships between phage chemistry, phage-excipient interactions and phage stability. The research outcomes would significantly benefit Australia by enabling commercial development in the high value-adding area of environmentally friendly antimicrobial products.Read moreRead less