Nuclear plasticity during neutrophil migration and function. This project aims to discover how nuclear shape affects neutrophil function. Cell migration needs overall cellular plasticity and plasticity of internal structures such as the nucleus. The neutrophil, one of the most peripatetic cell types, has a specialised lobulated nucleus, thought to facilitate its mobility and function. Using zebrafish reporter lines that concurrently display the nucleus and cytoplasm, this project will display th ....Nuclear plasticity during neutrophil migration and function. This project aims to discover how nuclear shape affects neutrophil function. Cell migration needs overall cellular plasticity and plasticity of internal structures such as the nucleus. The neutrophil, one of the most peripatetic cell types, has a specialised lobulated nucleus, thought to facilitate its mobility and function. Using zebrafish reporter lines that concurrently display the nucleus and cytoplasm, this project will display the dynamic plasticity of neutrophil nuclei during neutrophil migration and function in vivo. This project seeks to use the spatiotemporal resolution of a lattice light sheet microscope to examine this further, and explore its effect on neutrophil function. The project seeks to establish morphological and mechanical principles applying not just to neutrophils, but to all migratory cell types.Read moreRead less
The Unique Nature Of Gamma Delta T Cell Recognition Resolved Through Interaction With H2-Q10
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$699,031.00
Summary
The liver is important for both digestion and immunity. Given these opposing functions, the liver must exert control points that prevent the immune system from recognising food products. We have now identified a new molecular target that controls the development of immune cells in the liver.
Elucidating the post-transcriptional regulation of mast cell proteases. Mast cells (MCs) are immune cells that protect against pathogens but may induce deleterious inflammation. MC function is mediated by specific proteases that are pre-formed and stored in granules. These proteases have unique yet poorly understood mechanisms of regulation. The aim of the project is to use a novel suite of molecular tools and genetically modified mice to identify the critical regions of transcripts that post-tr ....Elucidating the post-transcriptional regulation of mast cell proteases. Mast cells (MCs) are immune cells that protect against pathogens but may induce deleterious inflammation. MC function is mediated by specific proteases that are pre-formed and stored in granules. These proteases have unique yet poorly understood mechanisms of regulation. The aim of the project is to use a novel suite of molecular tools and genetically modified mice to identify the critical regions of transcripts that post-transcriptionally regulate the production and storage of these proteins. The project aims to identify the RNA binding proteins, microRNAs and other novel factors that also regulate them. This is expected to elucidate the post-transcriptional mechanisms of regulation of MC proteases.Read moreRead less
Regulation of Stress Hormone Receptors in the Brain. Our research will provide information on how the brain controls our response to stress and will allow the development of targeted strategies to reduce the possibility during chronic stress of the development of conditions such as anxiety and depression. This will improve mental health outcomes in Australia and add to Australia's economic and social stability.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0347607
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$306,000.00
Summary
FishWorks - collaborative infrastructure for zebrafish research. Zebrafish have emerged as a powerful and cost-effective animal model for studying development, biology, and disease. FishWorks represents a large-scale co-operative initiative to develop state-of-the-art zebrafish housing, manipulation, genomics and screening infrastructure in Australia. This will both support and further enhance a core group of high quality researchers to engage in cutting-edge research in areas of acknowledged ex ....FishWorks - collaborative infrastructure for zebrafish research. Zebrafish have emerged as a powerful and cost-effective animal model for studying development, biology, and disease. FishWorks represents a large-scale co-operative initiative to develop state-of-the-art zebrafish housing, manipulation, genomics and screening infrastructure in Australia. This will both support and further enhance a core group of high quality researchers to engage in cutting-edge research in areas of acknowledged expertise as well as priority within their respective institutions. In addition, it will facilitate wide-ranging collaborative arrangements to further develop and exploit this research area.Read moreRead less
Iron accumulation in the nematode C.elegans: a model of ageing. This project will investigate the role of biological metals in the process of ageing, the causes of which remain unresolved. The practical outcomes for society are broad; beyond improving understandings of the basic biology of ageing, this study will provide new insight and approaches that can be used to optimise lifespan.
Investigating the role of the innate immune complement system in the abnormal development of the central nervous system. Past research has discovered a surprising link between the immune system, dietary folate deficiency and the development of the embryonic brain. This project will investigate the immune system in the developing brain, in order to understand the causes of developmental defects such as neural tube defects, and the role dietary folate plays in this process.
The role of copper in the early ubiquitination pathway. This project aims to explore the role of copper in ageing and protein turnover. The removal of damaged or excess proteins is achieved by ubiquitin-tagging in all kingdoms of life. It has recently been observed that one of the earliest steps of this process appears to be driven by copper. This project aims to elaborate the precise biochemical mechanisms by which copper regulates this important tagging and protein turnover system. It proposes ....The role of copper in the early ubiquitination pathway. This project aims to explore the role of copper in ageing and protein turnover. The removal of damaged or excess proteins is achieved by ubiquitin-tagging in all kingdoms of life. It has recently been observed that one of the earliest steps of this process appears to be driven by copper. This project aims to elaborate the precise biochemical mechanisms by which copper regulates this important tagging and protein turnover system. It proposes to characterise the structure and function of a newly identified copper-dependent form of cell enzyme which could be involved in amplifying ubiquitin-tagged protein breakdown. Copper is essential for life in all domains. Identifying copper as a major regulator in protein clearance is important in understanding this fundamental biological machinery.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100125
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,000.00
Summary
Oxidative stress bioanalytical facility. The primary national benefit of this application is that it will provide a currently unavailable, state-of-the-art facility for Australian scientists to define precisely how changes in cellular redox state contribute to biological processes relevant to health and diseases. The facility will uniquely complement, and in many cases integrate with existing facilities in this area of research in Australia. It will act as a platform for major national and inter ....Oxidative stress bioanalytical facility. The primary national benefit of this application is that it will provide a currently unavailable, state-of-the-art facility for Australian scientists to define precisely how changes in cellular redox state contribute to biological processes relevant to health and diseases. The facility will uniquely complement, and in many cases integrate with existing facilities in this area of research in Australia. It will act as a platform for major national and international research collaborations, develop cutting-edge technology and unique local skills, and contribute to Australia maintaining a leading position in redox-related research in biology and medicine. In doing so, the facility will increase the likelihood of gaining future, value-adding funding.Read moreRead less
Iron, ferroptosis and the biology of ageing. This project aims to determine how and when regulation of iron is lost. Failing iron metabolism during life may dictate the rate of ageing by driving a newly discovered cell death program. Combining biology, chemistry and physics, this collaborative project aims to transform the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of biological ageing. Anticipated outcomes include new assays for measuring iron in biology and identification of potential pathway ....Iron, ferroptosis and the biology of ageing. This project aims to determine how and when regulation of iron is lost. Failing iron metabolism during life may dictate the rate of ageing by driving a newly discovered cell death program. Combining biology, chemistry and physics, this collaborative project aims to transform the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of biological ageing. Anticipated outcomes include new assays for measuring iron in biology and identification of potential pathways that regulate death signaling and lifespan. Outcomes will benefit life sciences and biotechnology industries.Read moreRead less