Molecular Dissection Of Proteins That Regulate The Invasion Of Toxoplasma Gondii Into Human Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite responsible for congenital birth defects and disease of immuno-compromised individuals. I propose to identify and characterize molecules essential for T. gondii invasion into human cells. These represent novel targets for therapeutic intervention for disease caused by this important organism.
Regulation Of Actin Polymerization During Malaria Parasite Invasion Of The Human Erythrocyte
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$282,790.00
Summary
Malaria parasites depend on successful invasion of red blood cells for their survival. Invasion is powered by a molecular motor based on two key proteins: actin and myosin. Non-specific drugs that inhibit parasite actin block invasion, demonstrating how important its regulation is to parasite success. This project will study several newly identified malaria actin-regulators, aiming to identify new drug targets that will block malaria actin function, stop motility and as such prevent disease.
Discovering And Targeting Genes Regulating Skeletal Muscle Function, Metabolism, And Adaptations To Exercise Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Muscle wasting and decreased in mitochondrial function due to ageing or lack of physical activity are associated with reduced quality of life. The overarching aim is to develop a unique research program focusing on targeting specific genes, and to discover novel genes regulating muscle wasting and mitochondrial (dis)function. I anticipate this approach to assist in the development of targeted and personalised prevention and therapy for diseases associated with muscle (dis)function.
Understanding Adolescent Neurodevelopment: Relevance To Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$447,928.00
Summary
Schizophrenia first appears clinically during late adolescence. This project seeks to understand the molecular changes that occur during adolescent brain development that may underlie the behavioural abnormalities found in schizophrenia. We will focus on Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a gene which when reduced is associated with schizophrenia. By examining the role of this gene during adolescent brain development, we will better understand how disruptions to this gene may lead to schi ....Schizophrenia first appears clinically during late adolescence. This project seeks to understand the molecular changes that occur during adolescent brain development that may underlie the behavioural abnormalities found in schizophrenia. We will focus on Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a gene which when reduced is associated with schizophrenia. By examining the role of this gene during adolescent brain development, we will better understand how disruptions to this gene may lead to schizophrenia-like behaviours in adulthood.Read moreRead less
Peripheral Membrane Proteins In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$469,151.00
Summary
Peripheral membrane proteins are critical for processes such as cell transport, signaling, neurosecretion and development. As such, their dysfunction can lead to many debilitating diseases including cancer, inflammation and neurodegeneration. This project will establish fundamental new knowledge about how peripheral membrane proteins regulate cell function, how their perturbation or mutation results in human disease, and will inform efforts to target them for future therapeutic outcomes.
Molecular Mechanisms Of Mitotic Progression And The Anti-cancer Properties Of Anti-mitotic Agents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,492.00
Summary
Mitosis is the final stage of the cell division cycle that produces two daughter cells. Incorrect localisation and modification of proteins that regulate this process cause cell division errors potentially leading to cancer. This project will characterise how key mitotic proteins co-operatively function to complete this process. This research will increase our understanding of the cell division errors that contribute to cancer development, ultimately identifying new targets for cancer therapy.
DNA sequencing allows us to see into the microbial world in fine detail. This enables us to investigate how bugs like bacteria cause infections and other diseases. In this fellowship, I will use DNA sequencing and analysis to investigate how bacterial infections are transmitted in hospitals and cities, how bacteria become resistant to the antibiotic drugs we use to treat infected people, and how the bacteria that live in our nose and throat contribute to development of asthma in young children.
Improving The Understanding And Management Of Important Human Bacterial Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$204,196.00
Summary
This project will focus on two important bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (Golden Staph), and Enterococcus faecium, both causes of serious infections in hospital and community patients in Australia. Using new technologies, including whole genome sequencing, this project will lead to significant advances in understanding how these bacteria evolve, spread and cause disease. This will lead to new strategies for prevention and management of infections caused by these important bacteria.
Functional Genomics-new Technologies For Gene Discovery And Personalised Medicine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$452,122.00
Summary
Disorders of the brain, which affect people of all ages, are one of the largest health, economic and social burdens in the developed world. These conditions are chronic, debilitating and have limited symptomatic treatments available. In general, very little is known about the causes of many brain disorders. This project aims to identify the genes and mechanisms that underlie these diseases to enable the development of diagnostic and treatment programs to help reduce the incidence and severity of ....Disorders of the brain, which affect people of all ages, are one of the largest health, economic and social burdens in the developed world. These conditions are chronic, debilitating and have limited symptomatic treatments available. In general, very little is known about the causes of many brain disorders. This project aims to identify the genes and mechanisms that underlie these diseases to enable the development of diagnostic and treatment programs to help reduce the incidence and severity of disease.Read moreRead less