Dietary Protein-induced DNA Damage In Colon And Consequences For Colorectal Oncogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,797.00
Summary
This research will explore the effects of dietary protein on genetic damage to cells lining the large bowel and risk of developing colorectal cancer. We will determine the degree and type of DNA damage resulting from increased protein, the cellular response to this DNA damage, whether it increases risk for developing bowel cancer and whether it can be minimised by other foods in both an animal model and humans.
Use of CT Scanned Data in automation of Carcass Processing. Meat production is important to the Australian economy. The industry is threatened by inability to obtain sufficient labor for meat processing. Automation represents a potential solution, but brings challenges. Piecemeal automation has produced haphazard interspersing of automated and manual workstations. In meat processing automation, the greatest benefits are obtained when the process is integrated and data is passed down the process ....Use of CT Scanned Data in automation of Carcass Processing. Meat production is important to the Australian economy. The industry is threatened by inability to obtain sufficient labor for meat processing. Automation represents a potential solution, but brings challenges. Piecemeal automation has produced haphazard interspersing of automated and manual workstations. In meat processing automation, the greatest benefits are obtained when the process is integrated and data is passed down the process line. The outcomes of this project, a practically deployable robotic system, enabling methodologies and a common database, represent a big step towards integrated meat processing and bring enormous economic and health benefits to Australian community.Read moreRead less
NMR Of Red Cells: Plasma Membrane Oxidoreductase, And Cation Transport
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$192,388.00
Summary
An interesting paradox exists with respect to the 'central' function of the red blood cell (RBC): it delivers the main oxidising capacity to the body (O2), but it also carries the chemically opposite functionality in its membrane, namely reducing capacity. The reduction of many oxidised proteins and metabolites in blood plasma is mediated by a plasma-membrane oxido-reductase (PMOR). Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) dramatically accelerates this rate of reduction but its precise molecular role is unknow ....An interesting paradox exists with respect to the 'central' function of the red blood cell (RBC): it delivers the main oxidising capacity to the body (O2), but it also carries the chemically opposite functionality in its membrane, namely reducing capacity. The reduction of many oxidised proteins and metabolites in blood plasma is mediated by a plasma-membrane oxido-reductase (PMOR). Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) dramatically accelerates this rate of reduction but its precise molecular role is unknown; neither is the immediate source of the reducing equivalents (electrons) known. Novel, non-invasive, 13C NMR methods have been developed, and others are planned in this project, to study the rate of reduction of Otest? compounds, including 13C-ferricyanide, and reactions of 13C-ascorbate. This will provide a quantitative understanding of the kinetics of the redox reactions in the intact cell. The transfer of negative charges (electrons) from the cell, in the longer term (minutes) inevitably must be matched by the movement of cations (positive charges). The main cation flux is mediated by Na+, K+-ATPase, but various cation exchange pathways are also involved in the total Oionic economy? of the cell. Of special interest will be the calcium-activated K+ (or Gardos) channel. This Oopens? inappropriately in malaria, sickle cell anaemia, and under blood bank storage conditions, and this is thought to be the basis of some of the pathological events in these conditions. The alkali-metal cation exchange pathway ( Na+-Li+) is more activate in the red cells of many patients with hypertension. So, multiple-quantum NMR methods will be used to monitor membrane transport and binding of cations to characterise the kinetics and regulation of the K+-channel, and the Na+-Li+ exchange reactions. The significance will lie in a basic understanding of, and possible 'diagnostic methods' for the biochemical processes that occur in red blood cells in health and disease.Read moreRead less
Excitatory neuropeptides from nematode parasites of sheep. Internal parasites cause major disease and economic loss in Australian agricultural industries. Control, usually achieved with drugs, is now compromised by drug resistance and new remedies are required. Results of recent DNA sequencing projects have allowed us to predict the presence of neuropeptides in the worms of sheep. The aim of this project is to elucidate the steps in the action of these peptides, in particular, those that cause m ....Excitatory neuropeptides from nematode parasites of sheep. Internal parasites cause major disease and economic loss in Australian agricultural industries. Control, usually achieved with drugs, is now compromised by drug resistance and new remedies are required. Results of recent DNA sequencing projects have allowed us to predict the presence of neuropeptides in the worms of sheep. The aim of this project is to elucidate the steps in the action of these peptides, in particular, those that cause muscle contraction. By understanding the action of these peptides we hope to identify targets against which new drugs for parasite control can be developed.Read moreRead less