Sequencing and assembling microbial community metagenomes in real-time. This project aims to assemble metagenomes directly from environmental samples using nanopore sequencing. Short-read approaches to metagenomics cannot assemble mixed genomes from an environmental sample, so focus on describing which species and genes are present. Long-read nanopore sequencing enables the assembly of full genomes of multiple species in a sample. Assembling complete genomes in important resources such as water ....Sequencing and assembling microbial community metagenomes in real-time. This project aims to assemble metagenomes directly from environmental samples using nanopore sequencing. Short-read approaches to metagenomics cannot assemble mixed genomes from an environmental sample, so focus on describing which species and genes are present. Long-read nanopore sequencing enables the assembly of full genomes of multiple species in a sample. Assembling complete genomes in important resources such as water and soil should lead to deeper understanding of the dynamics, variation and transfer of genetic material within these resources’ microbial communities, strategies to manage microbial diversity, and improved productivity and long-term sustainability for these resources.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE200101323
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$427,098.00
Summary
Structure guided mapping of protein interactions and their perturbation. Protein interactions are central to most biological processes, and significant effort has been devoted to trying to unravel these complicated networks. This project aims to develop new approaches to better understand these interactions, and the consequences of their perturbation. The main expected contributions will be: (i) methods to identify likely protein interaction sites using population conservation; (ii) computationa ....Structure guided mapping of protein interactions and their perturbation. Protein interactions are central to most biological processes, and significant effort has been devoted to trying to unravel these complicated networks. This project aims to develop new approaches to better understand these interactions, and the consequences of their perturbation. The main expected contributions will be: (i) methods to identify likely protein interaction sites using population conservation; (ii) computational approaches to assess the effects of any type of mutation on the interaction; and (iii) an understanding of how disruption of a specific interaction can affect the complicated biological network within a cell. Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL130100038
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,796,748.00
Summary
Molecular machines and bacterial cell biology. This project will deliver a detailed understanding and visual rendering of molecular machines at work on the surface of bacteria. This ground-breaking research provides unique training opportunities for research students and staff: with projects driving frontier technology, and the transfer of new technological capabilities to Australia.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150101777
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Understanding the role of exosomes in intercellular communication. Exosomes, small packages released by cells, are powerful signalling organelles that can activate neighbouring cells by transferring proteins and RNA. Currently, it is unknown whether exosomes have similar membrane protein/lipid composition to that of the host cell. This project aims to explore the similarities and differences between the exosomal and host cell membranes in terms of the protein/lipid composition. In addition, the ....Understanding the role of exosomes in intercellular communication. Exosomes, small packages released by cells, are powerful signalling organelles that can activate neighbouring cells by transferring proteins and RNA. Currently, it is unknown whether exosomes have similar membrane protein/lipid composition to that of the host cell. This project aims to explore the similarities and differences between the exosomal and host cell membranes in terms of the protein/lipid composition. In addition, the project aims to study how the proteins and RNA are packaged into exosomes. Membrane molecules that are detected only in the exosomes may have important signalling implications and may aid in the uptake/fusion of exosomes by/with target cells. The project aims to improve our understanding on signalling mediated by exosomes.Read moreRead less
A cellular hub for the organisation of T cell priming. This project aims to delineate the cellular interactions involved in the initiation of immune responses by utilising advanced in vivo imaging. Adaptive immunity in vertebrates functions via the acquisition of signals by immune cells via complex interactions with other immune cells, yet these exchanges are difficult to observe and define. This project expects to provide insights into the mechanisms that underpin effective cell-mediated immune ....A cellular hub for the organisation of T cell priming. This project aims to delineate the cellular interactions involved in the initiation of immune responses by utilising advanced in vivo imaging. Adaptive immunity in vertebrates functions via the acquisition of signals by immune cells via complex interactions with other immune cells, yet these exchanges are difficult to observe and define. This project expects to provide insights into the mechanisms that underpin effective cell-mediated immune responses. The expected outcomes are to generate fundamental new knowledge about immune responses and enhance capacity to study the immune system. This could benefit future development of new vaccines and therapies to improve health.Read moreRead less
Defining the immunological roles of stromal cells within lymphoid tissues. The populations of endothelial and mesenchymal cells that construct the lymphoid tissues are being revealed as key players in the priming and orchestration of immune responses. Yet, fundamental knowledge of the molecular makeup and the functions of these stromal cells, particularly their roles in immune responses, is sorely lacking. This project will utilise a multidisciplinary approach including advanced imaging and bioi ....Defining the immunological roles of stromal cells within lymphoid tissues. The populations of endothelial and mesenchymal cells that construct the lymphoid tissues are being revealed as key players in the priming and orchestration of immune responses. Yet, fundamental knowledge of the molecular makeup and the functions of these stromal cells, particularly their roles in immune responses, is sorely lacking. This project will utilise a multidisciplinary approach including advanced imaging and bioinformatics to dissect the functions of the lymphoid stromal cells and their roles in the swelling of lymphoid tissues during immune responses. This will provide vital information about the biology of these understudied cells and reveal the ways in which they support the generation of immunity.Read moreRead less
Diet influences the selective advantage of mitochondrial DNA mutations. This project aims to examine critical mechanisms that affect mitochondrial DNA variation within species. It aims to test the hypothesis that mitochondrial DNA haplotypes have the potential to be under nutritionally induced balancing selection as a consequence of cellular signalling and/or Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production by mitochondria. Diet can vary both seasonally and geographically and is a key environmental param ....Diet influences the selective advantage of mitochondrial DNA mutations. This project aims to examine critical mechanisms that affect mitochondrial DNA variation within species. It aims to test the hypothesis that mitochondrial DNA haplotypes have the potential to be under nutritionally induced balancing selection as a consequence of cellular signalling and/or Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production by mitochondria. Diet can vary both seasonally and geographically and is a key environmental parameter that influences the ability of a species to colonise new habitats. The project plans to characterise the functional links between specific mitochondrial DNA haplotypes, mitochondrial functions and organismal traits. The expected outcome is a more precise grasp of the processes influencing genetic variation within and among species, which would inform current issues in ecology and genetics.Read moreRead less
Radical change in the architecture of a nucleus: loss of typical DNA organisation systems in dinoflagellates. The genetic blueprint of all higher cells is stored in the cell nucleus, and proteins called histones provide the filing system for compactly stacking and organising the cell's DNA. One group of organisms, the dinoflagellate algae, have lost this histone system. This project will provide insight into their alternative DNA management systems.
Statistical Methods For Identifying Structural Variation In Tumour Genomes Using Next Generation Sequencing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$243,458.00
Summary
New DNA sequencing technology can sequence a tumour genome affordably in 2 weeks. This re-sequencing data can be used to find small mutations and large-scale chromosomal rearrangements that together are the drivers of cancer. These may one day be used to guide cancer therapy. This project will develop new algorithms for finding mutations and apply these to discover the genetic basis of drug resistance in a model lymphoma system.
Novel antimicrobial target discovery by an integrated approach. The project aims to uncover the molecular targets of BDM-I, a novel antimicrobial candidate discovered by the start-up Australian company BioDiem Ltd. BDM-I is active against many drug resistant bacterial and fungal microorganisms and it is currently in pre-clinical development. However, the lack of resistant phenotypes makes it difficult to identify BDM-I’s mechanism of action. The project plans to use an integrated approach that c ....Novel antimicrobial target discovery by an integrated approach. The project aims to uncover the molecular targets of BDM-I, a novel antimicrobial candidate discovered by the start-up Australian company BioDiem Ltd. BDM-I is active against many drug resistant bacterial and fungal microorganisms and it is currently in pre-clinical development. However, the lack of resistant phenotypes makes it difficult to identify BDM-I’s mechanism of action. The project plans to use an integrated approach that combines a novel technique of in silico screening with experimental validation. Project outcomes are anticipated to include the first computational method to integrate target and ligand similarity for proteome-scale target and off-target discovery, which will advance the global fight against drug-resistant microorganisms.Read moreRead less