Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150100091
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$341,000.00
Summary
Traffic on DNA: interplay between RNA polymerases and DNA-bound proteins. The DNA inside the cell is not just a repository of information, but is an active player in how that information is used. Proteins bind to defined locations on the DNA to control which genes are active, and genes are expressed by RNA polymerases that track along the DNA. Collisions between RNA polymerases and DNA-bound proteins can remove the proteins or block the polymerase. How can these essential processes safely coexis ....Traffic on DNA: interplay between RNA polymerases and DNA-bound proteins. The DNA inside the cell is not just a repository of information, but is an active player in how that information is used. Proteins bind to defined locations on the DNA to control which genes are active, and genes are expressed by RNA polymerases that track along the DNA. Collisions between RNA polymerases and DNA-bound proteins can remove the proteins or block the polymerase. How can these essential processes safely coexist on the DNA? The project aims to integrate systematic experiments using well-defined genetic components and mathematical modelling to understand the 'design' features of DNA and proteins that minimise these traffic problems. A better understanding could inform new strategies for manipulation of gene expression.Read moreRead less
Structural domains of beta-tubulin and their role in microtubule dynamics and transport. This study aims to obtain a fundamental understanding of how the structural domains of the cytoskeletal protein beta-tubulin are involved in microtubule structures during cell division and vesicular transport. Using gene-editing technology and coupling this with cell biological approaches and high-resolution cell imaging will enable detailed analysis of the role of beta-tubulin domains in these important cel ....Structural domains of beta-tubulin and their role in microtubule dynamics and transport. This study aims to obtain a fundamental understanding of how the structural domains of the cytoskeletal protein beta-tubulin are involved in microtubule structures during cell division and vesicular transport. Using gene-editing technology and coupling this with cell biological approaches and high-resolution cell imaging will enable detailed analysis of the role of beta-tubulin domains in these important cellular processes. The outcomes will include fundamental new knowledge in cell biology and lead to the development of unique biological models that can be used to understand disease.Read moreRead less
Understanding evolution in natural systems using robotic models. This project aims to build biologically-inspired robotic and computational systems, and then modify these in ways which are either not possible, or have not yet occurred in natural systems. A comparison of these two systems will then allow a quantitative understanding of how well optimised biological structures are and where the limitations to optimisation lie. Expected outcomes include advancing the understanding of evolutionary p ....Understanding evolution in natural systems using robotic models. This project aims to build biologically-inspired robotic and computational systems, and then modify these in ways which are either not possible, or have not yet occurred in natural systems. A comparison of these two systems will then allow a quantitative understanding of how well optimised biological structures are and where the limitations to optimisation lie. Expected outcomes include advancing the understanding of evolutionary processes, and will provide significant benefits, such as aiding the manufacture of efficient autonomous robots.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160100620
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$378,000.00
Summary
Mechanisms of controlled gene expression in cells and organisms. The goal of this project is to reveal the nature of a cellular mechanism that has a major influence on gene expression in all eukaryotic cells. How gene expression is controlled is of fundamental importance to all life forms. The project plans to develop molecular tools that enable the visualisation and interrogation of this gene regulatory mechanism in live cells, tissues and whole organisms. The outcomes are anticipated to lead t ....Mechanisms of controlled gene expression in cells and organisms. The goal of this project is to reveal the nature of a cellular mechanism that has a major influence on gene expression in all eukaryotic cells. How gene expression is controlled is of fundamental importance to all life forms. The project plans to develop molecular tools that enable the visualisation and interrogation of this gene regulatory mechanism in live cells, tissues and whole organisms. The outcomes are anticipated to lead to an essential understanding of how cells respond to physiological and environmental cues by coordinating changes in gene expression, and to provide potential avenues towards manipulation for pharmaceutical, agricultural and biotechnology purposes.Read moreRead less
Towards a new understanding of the reproductive system. The proposed analysis of the reproductive system will provide important new knowledge of gene regulation driving organ development. The insights and technologies developed in this program will be widely applicable in biotechnological and pharmacogenomic research in Australia and worldwide, and assert Australia's leadership in this area of research.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100234
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$430,000.00
Summary
Enhancement of South Australian high-performance computing facilities. These facilities will enable the efficient use of high-performance computing and will more than double the capability provided by eResearch SA for South Australian researchers. They will support large-scale applications, running over many processors in parallel (high-performance computing) or large numbers of single processors (high-throughput computing).