Methods for Protein Structure Analysis by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance. This highly interdisciplinary project aims to establish new tools to analyse the structure and motions of proteins that are otherwise difficult to study. A combination of advanced biochemistry, modern magnetic spectroscopy methods, and high-performance computing techniques will be applied to study proteins at physiological concentrations and in complex environments. New techniques will be developed and tested on proteins ....Methods for Protein Structure Analysis by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance. This highly interdisciplinary project aims to establish new tools to analyse the structure and motions of proteins that are otherwise difficult to study. A combination of advanced biochemistry, modern magnetic spectroscopy methods, and high-performance computing techniques will be applied to study proteins at physiological concentrations and in complex environments. New techniques will be developed and tested on proteins of high biochemical or biomedical importance, and the approach will be applied to established drug targets.Read moreRead less
Shear stimulated Brillouin microscopy for cell mechanobiology. This project aims to develop novel technology for non-contact imaging of micro-mechanical properties in cells and tissues to answer fundamental questions of cell mechnanobiology. Based on principles of Brillouin light scattering, the project takes advantage of a radio-frequency lock-in detection scheme. The project will result in a real-time, high-sensitivity, non-contact 3D imaging solution for spatial characterisation of cell's loc ....Shear stimulated Brillouin microscopy for cell mechanobiology. This project aims to develop novel technology for non-contact imaging of micro-mechanical properties in cells and tissues to answer fundamental questions of cell mechnanobiology. Based on principles of Brillouin light scattering, the project takes advantage of a radio-frequency lock-in detection scheme. The project will result in a real-time, high-sensitivity, non-contact 3D imaging solution for spatial characterisation of cell's local stiffness and compressibility. This will underpin the advancement of knowledge in the area of cell mechanobiology and the investigation of diseases, where microscale changes in cell mechanical properties lead to cell dysfunction and apoptosis.Read moreRead less
Glycan-based prebiotic approaches to increase food safety in Australia. Since the launch of the first Australian Animal Sector National Antimicrobial Resistance Plan (2018) several approaches have been suggested to reduce the use antibiotics in agriculture, however no alternatives to antibiotics have been suggested or trialled. In this proposal we aim to develop a novel glycan-based prebiotic strategy to reduce Campylobacter jejuni colonisation in chicken and poultry by disrupting important glyc ....Glycan-based prebiotic approaches to increase food safety in Australia. Since the launch of the first Australian Animal Sector National Antimicrobial Resistance Plan (2018) several approaches have been suggested to reduce the use antibiotics in agriculture, however no alternatives to antibiotics have been suggested or trialled. In this proposal we aim to develop a novel glycan-based prebiotic strategy to reduce Campylobacter jejuni colonisation in chicken and poultry by disrupting important glycan-glycan interactions. Outcomes of this proposal is a cost-effective antibiotic- and vaccine-independent animal feed supplement strategy that will decrease the risk of human food-borne illness and therefore promoting food safety and public health in Australia. Read moreRead less
Molecular mechanisms of mechanosensation and shape regulation in cells. This project aims to explore how cells physically sense and respond to the surrounding environment on a molecular level. Physical distortion of erythrocytes doubles their glucose consumption and increases cation membrane flux five-fold. This mechanism involves opening of the mechanosenstive ion channel Piezo1. This project will include a kinetic description of these phenomena, with a goal to establish a predictive mathematic ....Molecular mechanisms of mechanosensation and shape regulation in cells. This project aims to explore how cells physically sense and respond to the surrounding environment on a molecular level. Physical distortion of erythrocytes doubles their glucose consumption and increases cation membrane flux five-fold. This mechanism involves opening of the mechanosenstive ion channel Piezo1. This project will include a kinetic description of these phenomena, with a goal to establish a predictive mathematical model of the regulation of cell-shape and volume. The project will provide an understanding of mechanisms operating when cells and tissues are succumbing to trauma and invasion, and how to control these processes on a molecular level.Read moreRead less