Discovering The Genetic Causes Of Congenital Heart Disease Using Systems Biology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects one in one hundred live-born babies, representing a significant health burden in Australia and worldwide. My research team is using state-of-the-art DNA sequencing technology to sequence the entire genome of hundreds of patients with CHD and their family members. My research program develops fast and reliable computer software to accelerate the discovery of the genetic causes of CHD, and make personalised genome-based medicine a reality.
Investigating Widespread Regulation Of Gene Expression Through Intron Retention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$363,026.00
Summary
We recently discovered a hidden type of gene regulation that appears to be altered in diverse cancers including leukaemia, melanoma and colon cancer. We will explore this widely relevant mechanism using molecular and computational tools. We created the only computer program able to detect this type of regulation and will now share our discovery with cancer scientists through cloud computing technology.
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.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190101078
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$374,433.00
Summary
Functional role of a novel DNA modification in the adult brain. This project aims to understand how neuronal DNA is modified upon learning and how this impacts memory formation. The project will investigate the combination of different genome-wide sequencing approaches and molecular and cell biological assays to provide new insight into the functional role of a novel DNA modification, N6-methyl-2'-deoxyadenosine in the adult brain. This projects expects to have a major impact on many fields, inc ....Functional role of a novel DNA modification in the adult brain. This project aims to understand how neuronal DNA is modified upon learning and how this impacts memory formation. The project will investigate the combination of different genome-wide sequencing approaches and molecular and cell biological assays to provide new insight into the functional role of a novel DNA modification, N6-methyl-2'-deoxyadenosine in the adult brain. This projects expects to have a major impact on many fields, including neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and genetics, by helping to shape a new way of thinking about gene-environment interactionsRead moreRead less
Charting the human epi-transcriptome. This project aims to use Oxford nanopore technologies and phage display technologies, to obtain quantitative, single-nucleotide resolution maps for any RNA modification of choice. This will allow systematic mapping of RNA modifications for which we currently lack transcriptome-wide maps, as well as investigate the roles, regulation and impact of RNA modifications in proper cellular functioning and cell differentiation. The project will provide significant be ....Charting the human epi-transcriptome. This project aims to use Oxford nanopore technologies and phage display technologies, to obtain quantitative, single-nucleotide resolution maps for any RNA modification of choice. This will allow systematic mapping of RNA modifications for which we currently lack transcriptome-wide maps, as well as investigate the roles, regulation and impact of RNA modifications in proper cellular functioning and cell differentiation. The project will provide significant benefits, such as to the economy by offering a cost-effective alternative to sequencing methods currently used to map DNA and RNA modifications.Read moreRead less
How enhancers regulate T cell differentiation and function. This project aims to identify the molecular mechanisms that regulate the activity of transcriptional enhancers needed for effective immune cell differentiation. Adaptive immune cell activation starts a programme of differentiation that acquires and maintains lineage-specific effector function. Using a multidisciplinary approach including cellular and chromatin biology, advanced bioinformatics, targeted genome editing and nanotechnology, ....How enhancers regulate T cell differentiation and function. This project aims to identify the molecular mechanisms that regulate the activity of transcriptional enhancers needed for effective immune cell differentiation. Adaptive immune cell activation starts a programme of differentiation that acquires and maintains lineage-specific effector function. Using a multidisciplinary approach including cellular and chromatin biology, advanced bioinformatics, targeted genome editing and nanotechnology, this project expects to provide insights into non-coding regulatory element reprogramming and control of immune cell function and memory with implications for understanding general cellular differentiation.Read moreRead less
Unraveling the chromatin networks that control T lymphocyte differentiation. The development of T cell responses is essential for fighting infection but in some cases T cells can also cause allergy and autoimmune diseases. Previous research has shown by understanding the complex chromatin circuitry that underlie T cell function, therapies can be designed to rewire harmful T cells. This project will use a multi-disciplinary approach that combines expertise in cutting-edge molecular techniques wit ....Unraveling the chromatin networks that control T lymphocyte differentiation. The development of T cell responses is essential for fighting infection but in some cases T cells can also cause allergy and autoimmune diseases. Previous research has shown by understanding the complex chromatin circuitry that underlie T cell function, therapies can be designed to rewire harmful T cells. This project will use a multi-disciplinary approach that combines expertise in cutting-edge molecular techniques with unique mouse models and bioinformatics to develop a fundamental understanding of the chromatin architecture and epigenetic networks that control important steps of T cell differentiation during development, allergy and infection.Read moreRead less
The hunt for Ribonucleic Acid riboswitches and genetic sensors of metabolic flux in plants. Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) contains both structural and sequence information that coordinates feedback of metabolic processes in response to environmental change, thereby promoting cellular adaptation and survival. This project will discover ancient RNA modules and structural switches in plants that sense chemical reactions and regulate pathway flux.