A microscopical examination of curdlan production by an Agrobacterium sp. We will investigate the secretion of the insoluble polysaccharide curdlan, a (1,3)-beta-glucan, from the surfaces of Agrobacterium cells and the assembly of the individual polysaccharide chains into microfibrils. Using state-of-the-art techniques in time lapse and electron microscopy we will compare the images of wild type curdlan-producing cells with those of mutants impaired in the production of curdlan. The outputs will ....A microscopical examination of curdlan production by an Agrobacterium sp. We will investigate the secretion of the insoluble polysaccharide curdlan, a (1,3)-beta-glucan, from the surfaces of Agrobacterium cells and the assembly of the individual polysaccharide chains into microfibrils. Using state-of-the-art techniques in time lapse and electron microscopy we will compare the images of wild type curdlan-producing cells with those of mutants impaired in the production of curdlan. The outputs will be information on the mechanics of curdlan production that will complement that emerging from our molecular biological and biochemical studies. These will have implications for understanding bacterial polysaccharide production in general and may have a commercial outcome in enhanced curdlan production.Read moreRead less
Biomolecular surface interactions with smart biomaterials. Current materials used for medical implants are often recognised by the body as foreign materials causing implant rejection or encapsulation. Research into the interactions between biological molecules and chemically and topographically modified materials will aid in the development of new materials and devices that optimise the body's response to the implanted material. The new materials and surfaces developed from this research will pr ....Biomolecular surface interactions with smart biomaterials. Current materials used for medical implants are often recognised by the body as foreign materials causing implant rejection or encapsulation. Research into the interactions between biological molecules and chemically and topographically modified materials will aid in the development of new materials and devices that optimise the body's response to the implanted material. The new materials and surfaces developed from this research will provide longer lasting implants and reduce the need for repeated operations. This will improve the quality of life for implant recipients and reduce health care costs.Read moreRead less
Synthesis of substrate analogues for probing catalytic mechanisms and specificity of enzymes involved in the metabolism of plant polysaccharides. The project is aimed at strengthening collaborations between research groups in Adelaide and France, with the specific objective of synthesizing substrate analogues as probes of enzymatic mechanisms and substrate specificity in polysaccharide hydrolases and synthases of barley. The chemical expertise resides in France, while the enzymatic work will be ....Synthesis of substrate analogues for probing catalytic mechanisms and specificity of enzymes involved in the metabolism of plant polysaccharides. The project is aimed at strengthening collaborations between research groups in Adelaide and France, with the specific objective of synthesizing substrate analogues as probes of enzymatic mechanisms and substrate specificity in polysaccharide hydrolases and synthases of barley. The chemical expertise resides in France, while the enzymatic work will be conducted largely in Australia. Exchange of research staff, particularly at the postgraduate student and research associate levels, is considered essential to capture the benefits of the complementary expertise and to extend an existing international collaboration. The target enzymes are of central importance in cell wall metabolism during development of higher plants.Read moreRead less
Dynamic signaling pathways of dispersal in bacterial biofilms. This Breakthrough Science project will result in an increased understanding of the molecular processes that govern biofilm development and dispersal. While the outcomes will be directly applicable where P. aeruginosa infections continue to cause health-threatening conditions, such as in Cystic Fibrosis chronic infections, it will also be instrumental for the rational design of novel products and strategies to control biofilms of othe ....Dynamic signaling pathways of dispersal in bacterial biofilms. This Breakthrough Science project will result in an increased understanding of the molecular processes that govern biofilm development and dispersal. While the outcomes will be directly applicable where P. aeruginosa infections continue to cause health-threatening conditions, such as in Cystic Fibrosis chronic infections, it will also be instrumental for the rational design of novel products and strategies to control biofilms of other single species or of mixed species populations in many other settings. Countless environmental, industrial and clinical applications will benefit from improved antimicrobial strategies and reduced usage of antibiotics.Read moreRead less
Interfacial interactions with hydrogel biomaterials. The interactions between cells of the body and the surfaces of medical implants are controlled largely by the molecules that are adsorbed on the surface. The aim of this project is to evaluate the effect of modifying hydrogel biomaterials on the interactions of the molecules with the hydrogel. This, in turn, allows us to determine the factors affecting the control of the cell's response. The significance of this work is in the improved ability ....Interfacial interactions with hydrogel biomaterials. The interactions between cells of the body and the surfaces of medical implants are controlled largely by the molecules that are adsorbed on the surface. The aim of this project is to evaluate the effect of modifying hydrogel biomaterials on the interactions of the molecules with the hydrogel. This, in turn, allows us to determine the factors affecting the control of the cell's response. The significance of this work is in the improved ability to control cellular responses to implants. Such improved response will result in better health outcomes for patients, and outcomes in the form of papers and intellectual property.
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Heparan sulfate proteoglycan from smooth muscle cell basal lamina: It's role in cell signalling. Heart disease is the major killer of people in the Western world. central to this disease is the killing of heart muscle tissue to it being starved of oxygen via a "heart attack". One of the common treatments is coronary artery bypass surgery, however, the supply of vessels that can be used is limited. In order to provide an alternative supply of vessels, we are aiming to engineer blood vessels i ....Heparan sulfate proteoglycan from smooth muscle cell basal lamina: It's role in cell signalling. Heart disease is the major killer of people in the Western world. central to this disease is the killing of heart muscle tissue to it being starved of oxygen via a "heart attack". One of the common treatments is coronary artery bypass surgery, however, the supply of vessels that can be used is limited. In order to provide an alternative supply of vessels, we are aiming to engineer blood vessels in the laboratory. The major cell of the wall of arteries, the smooth muscle cell, is critical to normal functioning and integration of these transplanted arteries. To do this we will need to understand the cell signalling responses of these cells in relation to molecules in their surrounding environment.Read moreRead less
New inhibitors of HIV based on cellular enzymes. Over 39 million people are infected with HIV worldwide. However, none of the most highly affected countries have yet reached the peak in AIDS-related illness and death, thus the global impact of HIV/AIDS will get significantly worse, before it gets better.
In Australia, HIV is again on the rise. Ironically, improved treatments that have extended life expectancy will cause the number of HIV infected Australians to rise for many years to come. ....New inhibitors of HIV based on cellular enzymes. Over 39 million people are infected with HIV worldwide. However, none of the most highly affected countries have yet reached the peak in AIDS-related illness and death, thus the global impact of HIV/AIDS will get significantly worse, before it gets better.
In Australia, HIV is again on the rise. Ironically, improved treatments that have extended life expectancy will cause the number of HIV infected Australians to rise for many years to come. Therefore many Australians will suffer from the combined impact of the AIDS illness itself, opportunistic infections, the side-effects of treatment and natural aging. We aim to develop new drugs to combat this disease to help people everywhere lead happier, healthier and more productive lives.Read moreRead less
Sensing atmosphere: Understanding the HNOX-protein gas-sensing capability and how it is affected by heme-oxidation. The project investigates how gas sensing heme-proteins from the novel HNOX (Heme-Nitric Oxide) family are able to discriminate between different gaseous ligands such as O2 and NO and how oxidation of the heme alters this response. The gas-sensing capability of the HNOX proteins is crucial for organisms ranging from bacteria to humans. Thus, understanding of these signalling mechani ....Sensing atmosphere: Understanding the HNOX-protein gas-sensing capability and how it is affected by heme-oxidation. The project investigates how gas sensing heme-proteins from the novel HNOX (Heme-Nitric Oxide) family are able to discriminate between different gaseous ligands such as O2 and NO and how oxidation of the heme alters this response. The gas-sensing capability of the HNOX proteins is crucial for organisms ranging from bacteria to humans. Thus, understanding of these signalling mechanisms will have a strong impact on many scientific fields from the control of pathogen growth to human blood pressure regulation. This collaboration will establish Australian scientists and as world-leading in the field of NO and redox signalling. This development will also be of substantial benefit for the training of the next generation of Australian students and scientists.Read moreRead less
A unified approach to studies on mitochondrial biogenesis. Mitochondria supply the cell with the majority of its energy as well as performing other key functions. How mitochondrial processes are regulated within the cell is an important area of biology. The broad aims of this collaboration are to analyse processes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis using yeast and mammalian cells as model systems. In particular the protein import processes and mitochondrial stress responses will be studied. Th ....A unified approach to studies on mitochondrial biogenesis. Mitochondria supply the cell with the majority of its energy as well as performing other key functions. How mitochondrial processes are regulated within the cell is an important area of biology. The broad aims of this collaboration are to analyse processes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis using yeast and mammalian cells as model systems. In particular the protein import processes and mitochondrial stress responses will be studied. The outcomes of this work will enable us to gain an appreciation of the similarities and differences in processes that exist between organisms so that general, unifying models can be made.Read moreRead less
Structure and function of novel transporters in alphaproteobacteria. First, detailed knowledge of a set of membrane transporters and the way their activity might be inhibited, will have implications for the treatment of human disease. Second, excellent outcomes are provided for the training of postgraduate students and research staff. This project entails cutting edge technology, and the transfer of technical capabilities not currently available in Australia. Third, our studies on non-pathogenic ....Structure and function of novel transporters in alphaproteobacteria. First, detailed knowledge of a set of membrane transporters and the way their activity might be inhibited, will have implications for the treatment of human disease. Second, excellent outcomes are provided for the training of postgraduate students and research staff. This project entails cutting edge technology, and the transfer of technical capabilities not currently available in Australia. Third, our studies on non-pathogenic species of alpha-proteobacteria provides for a timely advance in our knowledge of their biology: other species of alpha-proteobacteria were amongst the first organisms trialled for biological weapons by the USA and the former Soviet Union, and those pathogenic species are rated as Class 3 organisms.Read moreRead less