Role Of Transition Metal Ions And Redox Activity In The Development Of Atherosclerotic Plaques
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,018.00
Summary
Metal ions such as iron and copper have been reproted to be present in the lesions present in diseased human arteries and it has been suggested that these metal ions contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) via their ability to catalyse the formation of highly reactive molecualr fragments called free radicals. Though metal ions are known to catalyse such reactions in test-tube experiments, both the presence of metal ions in diseased arteries and their ability ....Metal ions such as iron and copper have been reproted to be present in the lesions present in diseased human arteries and it has been suggested that these metal ions contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) via their ability to catalyse the formation of highly reactive molecualr fragments called free radicals. Though metal ions are known to catalyse such reactions in test-tube experiments, both the presence of metal ions in diseased arteries and their ability to generate free radicals is controversial. This study will employ a novel, minimally-invasive, technique to assess the nature and quantity of metal ions present in well-defined human and animal lesions at different stages of lesion development. The ability of these metal ions to catalyse free radical formation from components present in the artery wall will also be assessed. The release of these metal ions from the artery wall to added organic molecules will be assessed as this might minimise their potential to cause damage, and provide a possible therapeutic strategy. These studies will therefore provide valuable information as to the significance and role of reactive metal ions in the development of human artery disease and the possible prevention, or minimisation, of such processes.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100164
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$310,000.00
Summary
A facility for ex-vivo molecular imaging. The facility will allow a consortium of Australian researchers to create an integrated facility for imaging biological receptors in tissue, bringing together laboratory, radiochemistry and imaging expertise. Digital data at each site will be able to be viewed and analysed remotely.
Biosynthesis and functions of two phytotoxins in Septoria nodorum blotch. This project aims to investigate how a fungal plant pathogen makes and uses small bioactive molecules to facilitate infection. It will characterise the function of the genes and enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of a light-activated phytotoxic molecule and a potential anti-plant defence molecule found in the pathogenic wheat fungus Parastagonospora nodorum, and investigate their contribution to disease development. Expe ....Biosynthesis and functions of two phytotoxins in Septoria nodorum blotch. This project aims to investigate how a fungal plant pathogen makes and uses small bioactive molecules to facilitate infection. It will characterise the function of the genes and enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of a light-activated phytotoxic molecule and a potential anti-plant defence molecule found in the pathogenic wheat fungus Parastagonospora nodorum, and investigate their contribution to disease development. Expected outcomes include better understanding of plant-microbe interactions, disease management strategies, technologies for identifying biosynthetic pathways in other fungi, and enzyme technology for synthesising molecules. This could lead to new herbicides, biopesticides and drugs.Read moreRead less
Rational design of new drug candidates for the treatment of Trypanosoma cruzi infection. There is a serious shortage of safe and effective drugs to treat Chagas disease which is caused by a parasitic infection. This project aims to design and identify new drug candidates by defining the disposition profile within the body which is necessary to achieve a therapeutic effect.
The hidden secondary metabolite biosynthetic potential of fungi. This proposal aims to develop synthetic biology tools to allow rapid access to the hidden metabolites encoded in fungal genomes and discover how they interact with plant and animal hosts. Genome sequencing reveals that fungi harbour vast hidden potential for biosynthesis of bioactive small molecules. The lack of tools to efficiently access this hidden potential has hindered the ability to develop this uncharted chemical diversity f ....The hidden secondary metabolite biosynthetic potential of fungi. This proposal aims to develop synthetic biology tools to allow rapid access to the hidden metabolites encoded in fungal genomes and discover how they interact with plant and animal hosts. Genome sequencing reveals that fungi harbour vast hidden potential for biosynthesis of bioactive small molecules. The lack of tools to efficiently access this hidden potential has hindered the ability to develop this uncharted chemical diversity for pharmaceutics and agriculture, and understand their biological roles in pathogens. Expected outcomes include sources of bioactive molecules and better management of fungal diseases in crops and humans.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160100482
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$364,536.00
Summary
Indoleamides as Molecular Interventions for Tuberculosis. This project aims to develop chemical probes capable of inhibiting the transport of essential mycolic acid across the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The emergence of resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis necessitates the identification of new, validated biological target(s) in the current control of tuberculosis. Preliminary data in this proposal demonstrate the discovery of indoleamides as a novel chemical entity. Dev ....Indoleamides as Molecular Interventions for Tuberculosis. This project aims to develop chemical probes capable of inhibiting the transport of essential mycolic acid across the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The emergence of resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis necessitates the identification of new, validated biological target(s) in the current control of tuberculosis. Preliminary data in this proposal demonstrate the discovery of indoleamides as a novel chemical entity. Development of these indoleamides may provide insights into a novel mechanism of action that could be targeted in combination with existing antitubercular agents.Read moreRead less
Discovery of signalling molecules that mediate communication in the environment. This project aims to further our understanding of chemical compounds that mediate communication in the environment. The project will identify a broad range of new compounds that have significant potential to provide new products such as anti-bacterials, pesticides and plant growth regulators for the benefit of Australia.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE170100192
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,000.00
Summary
Deep Protein Sequencing, Structure and Quantification Facility. This project aims to establish state-of-the-art complementary mass spectrometers to help research into molecular structure and interactions, post-translational modifications, compound stability and availability within complex biological samples. The facility’s complementary mass spectrometers combine high specificity with high sensitivity and ultrafast scanning, and are expected to rapidly discover, identify and characterise biomole ....Deep Protein Sequencing, Structure and Quantification Facility. This project aims to establish state-of-the-art complementary mass spectrometers to help research into molecular structure and interactions, post-translational modifications, compound stability and availability within complex biological samples. The facility’s complementary mass spectrometers combine high specificity with high sensitivity and ultrafast scanning, and are expected to rapidly discover, identify and characterise biomolecules including peptides, proteins and small molecules. The discovery of unknown compounds is expected to improve fundamental understanding of molecular structure and function, provide opportunities for new bio-industries in health and the environment, and generate commercial opportunities through spin-off companies, patents and licensing.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE150100158
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$670,000.00
Summary
High resolution mass spectrometry for metabolomics and proteomics research. High resolution mass spectrometry for metabolomics and proteomics research: Ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis are expected to greatly enhance separation and mass analysis for multi-disciplinary research. Biological processes, and the metabolites and proteins that control them, will be analysed at rates, sensitivities and resolutions which are expected to significantly advance molecular ....High resolution mass spectrometry for metabolomics and proteomics research. High resolution mass spectrometry for metabolomics and proteomics research: Ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis are expected to greatly enhance separation and mass analysis for multi-disciplinary research. Biological processes, and the metabolites and proteins that control them, will be analysed at rates, sensitivities and resolutions which are expected to significantly advance molecular and cell biology research. Multiple levels and types of fragmentation will allow complex experiments to be conducted and provide new mechanisms to aid plant and crop science, sports science, energy and resource science, and chemical toxicology. Comparative and systems biology, where analysis of rare or complex samples is a key requirement, will be strongly supported by these new facilities.Read moreRead less