A global approach to structure, assembly and function of yeast mitochondrial ATP synthase. ATP synthase is responsible for the synthesis of the ubiquitous energy substance ATP in living cells. This multisubunit enzyme complex is a molecular rotatory motor whose mechanism relies on functional dynamic interactions of the component protein subunits of the complex. Using a combination of powerful and sophisticated molecular biology techniques the functional and dynamic contacts made by subunits wi ....A global approach to structure, assembly and function of yeast mitochondrial ATP synthase. ATP synthase is responsible for the synthesis of the ubiquitous energy substance ATP in living cells. This multisubunit enzyme complex is a molecular rotatory motor whose mechanism relies on functional dynamic interactions of the component protein subunits of the complex. Using a combination of powerful and sophisticated molecular biology techniques the functional and dynamic contacts made by subunits within the complex, or between ATP synthase and other enzyme complex involved in energy production (including other ATP synthase complexes) will be investigated. New and significant insights into one of the most fundamental and challenging enzymes of life will be obtained.Read moreRead less
The Structure Function and Biology of Serpins. The serpin family of proteins control protease activity, in a variety of biological systems, via a dramatic conformational change. We are 4 leaders in the serpin reseacrh field using an integrated approach of biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, cell biology, structural biology and bioinformatics to analyse every facet of serpin structure, function and biology. We will apply and develop novel technologies that will determine how these confor ....The Structure Function and Biology of Serpins. The serpin family of proteins control protease activity, in a variety of biological systems, via a dramatic conformational change. We are 4 leaders in the serpin reseacrh field using an integrated approach of biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, cell biology, structural biology and bioinformatics to analyse every facet of serpin structure, function and biology. We will apply and develop novel technologies that will determine how these conformational changes are achieved and how they are controlled. Our increased understanding of this inhibitor - enzyme interaction will have implications to other proteins which undergo conformational change and biotechnology.Read moreRead less
Structural and functional studies on prokaryote serpins. Proteins are the machines of life, many of which undergo complex movements to achieve function. The basic research described in this proposal will result in major outcomes in understanding how proteins fold, undergo complex changes in conformation, and misfold to dysfunctional states. As a result, the study will contribute fundamental knowledge that will underpin research in the fields of structural biology, protein design and protein fo ....Structural and functional studies on prokaryote serpins. Proteins are the machines of life, many of which undergo complex movements to achieve function. The basic research described in this proposal will result in major outcomes in understanding how proteins fold, undergo complex changes in conformation, and misfold to dysfunctional states. As a result, the study will contribute fundamental knowledge that will underpin research in the fields of structural biology, protein design and protein folding. Through providing insight into protein misfolding, the work will will contribute to our understanding of degenerative misfolding pathologies that affect the ageing population and thus targets the 'ageing well ageing productively' priority goal.Read moreRead less
The LINK to Regulating Lysine Levels in Wheat. This project aims to characterise a recently discovered allosteric mechanism called 'Ligand-Induced association by Lysine (K)' (LINK) model. LINK model regulates the function of a key biosynthetic enzyme in bacteria and plants, including agriculturally-important species such as wheat. Also, it represents a highly significant discovery to the field of biochemistry. The expected outcomes of this project include an in-depth understanding of the molecul ....The LINK to Regulating Lysine Levels in Wheat. This project aims to characterise a recently discovered allosteric mechanism called 'Ligand-Induced association by Lysine (K)' (LINK) model. LINK model regulates the function of a key biosynthetic enzyme in bacteria and plants, including agriculturally-important species such as wheat. Also, it represents a highly significant discovery to the field of biochemistry. The expected outcomes of this project include an in-depth understanding of the molecular basis of a new allosteric mechanism for regulating intracellular lysine levels, which in the longer term offers excellent potential to be manipulated for agricultural benefits.Read moreRead less
Mitochondrial proteases and their contribution to protein homeostasis. This research will examine how a critically important cellular organelle known as the mitochondrion maintains its functional integrity by sensing and signalling protein perturbations. As mitochondrial dysfunction is central to a number of neurodegenerative diseases understanding the molecular biology of this fundamentally important cellular process could, in the future, provide for better health outcomes for an aging Australi ....Mitochondrial proteases and their contribution to protein homeostasis. This research will examine how a critically important cellular organelle known as the mitochondrion maintains its functional integrity by sensing and signalling protein perturbations. As mitochondrial dysfunction is central to a number of neurodegenerative diseases understanding the molecular biology of this fundamentally important cellular process could, in the future, provide for better health outcomes for an aging Australian population. The training of post-graduate students is an integral component of this study and thus will contribute to building national research capacity. International collaborations and new discoveries will also contribute to the recognition of Australian research.Read moreRead less
The role of the protease inhibitor Serpinb9 in antigen cross-presentation by dendritic cells. This project will provide fundamental new insights into antigen cross-presentation, a crucial facet of the immune system's response to viral infection or neoplastic cells. It will also provide a basis for future studies into mechanisms of immune tolerance and enhance our understanding of autoimmune disease.
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354892
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$40,000.00
Summary
The Australian Protease Network. Proteases are pivotal enzymes during birth, life, ageing and death of all organisms. Proteases regulate most physiological processes by controlling protein activation, synthesis and turnover and are essential for replication and spread of viruses, bacteria and parasites that cause infectious diseases. Blockbuster drugs and diagnostics already target a few proteases. Australians have made innovative contributions individually to understanding and regulating these ....The Australian Protease Network. Proteases are pivotal enzymes during birth, life, ageing and death of all organisms. Proteases regulate most physiological processes by controlling protein activation, synthesis and turnover and are essential for replication and spread of viruses, bacteria and parasites that cause infectious diseases. Blockbuster drugs and diagnostics already target a few proteases. Australians have made innovative contributions individually to understanding and regulating these enzymes. However this initiative aims to network their efforts by value-adding to the current protease research through promoting national and international collaborations to improve our understanding of biology, and encourage exploitation of proteases/inhibitors/receptors for pharmaceutical and industrial applications.Read moreRead less
Feeding and digestion in tropical rock lobster phyllosoma larvae and its applications for culture. Provision of larval culture diets that provide optimal nutrition in a suitable presentation format is the major challenge for developing a rock lobster aquaculture industry. Tropical rock lobsters are likely contenders due to their faster growth rates and shorter larval phase than temperate species. This project will assess the ingestive and digestive capabilities of larvae during development, thro ....Feeding and digestion in tropical rock lobster phyllosoma larvae and its applications for culture. Provision of larval culture diets that provide optimal nutrition in a suitable presentation format is the major challenge for developing a rock lobster aquaculture industry. Tropical rock lobsters are likely contenders due to their faster growth rates and shorter larval phase than temperate species. This project will assess the ingestive and digestive capabilities of larvae during development, through an examination of mouthpart and gut structure and their types and concentration of digestive enzymes. Information will be used to formulate and test improved diets of appropriate size, texture and nutritional composition and will be the first comprehensive analysis of preferred larval diets on the basis of their biological and physiological characteristics.Read moreRead less
Regulation and function of a novel protein tyrosine phosphatase. A cell's ability to respond to its extracellular environment involves a complex and highly organised series of events referred to as cellular signalling. These signalling processes regulate fundamental cellular processes that underlie the growth and development of all living organisms. This proposal focuses on a group of enzymes known as the protein tyrosine phosphatases and their ability to regulate tyrosine phosphorylation-depe ....Regulation and function of a novel protein tyrosine phosphatase. A cell's ability to respond to its extracellular environment involves a complex and highly organised series of events referred to as cellular signalling. These signalling processes regulate fundamental cellular processes that underlie the growth and development of all living organisms. This proposal focuses on a group of enzymes known as the protein tyrosine phosphatases and their ability to regulate tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent signalling. We have identified a novel human protein tyrosine phosphatase and we aim to characterise its regulation and biological function.Read moreRead less
Characterisation of a novel protein tyrosine phosphatase. A cells ability to respond to its extracellular environment involves a complex and highly organised series of events referred to as cellular signalling. These signalling processes regulate fundamental cellular events that underlie the growth and development of all living organisms. This proposal focuses on a group of enzymes known as the protein tyrosine phosphatases and their ability to regulate tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent signa ....Characterisation of a novel protein tyrosine phosphatase. A cells ability to respond to its extracellular environment involves a complex and highly organised series of events referred to as cellular signalling. These signalling processes regulate fundamental cellular events that underlie the growth and development of all living organisms. This proposal focuses on a group of enzymes known as the protein tyrosine phosphatases and their ability to regulate tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent signalling. We have identified a novel human protein tyrosine phosphatase and we aim to characterise its function and the mechanism by which it is regulated.Read moreRead less