Marsupial genomics: antimicrobial peptides and endangered species conservation. This project aims to use Australia’s unique biodiversity to tackle the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Rapid gene duplication and evolution of antimicrobial peptide genes in marsupials provide protection for joeys that are immunologically naïve in the pouch. By characterising immune genes in 10 marsupial species, this project will yield new antimicrobial peptides that can tackle superbugs. Genomic infor ....Marsupial genomics: antimicrobial peptides and endangered species conservation. This project aims to use Australia’s unique biodiversity to tackle the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Rapid gene duplication and evolution of antimicrobial peptide genes in marsupials provide protection for joeys that are immunologically naïve in the pouch. By characterising immune genes in 10 marsupial species, this project will yield new antimicrobial peptides that can tackle superbugs. Genomic information will also be used to provide significant benefits, such as improving the long term conservation of our endangered native species in a more appropriate and cost-effective way.Read moreRead less
Will genetic rescue save the Tasmanian devil? This project aims to measure the long-term genetic impacts of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program’s ‘Wild Devil Recovery’ initiative. The project will determine whether supplementing small populations with individuals that are genetically diverse reduces inbreeding depression. The project will also monitor the impact of supplementation on the evolutionary trajectory of Devil Facial Tumour Disease. The project will train a cohort of conservation scie ....Will genetic rescue save the Tasmanian devil? This project aims to measure the long-term genetic impacts of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program’s ‘Wild Devil Recovery’ initiative. The project will determine whether supplementing small populations with individuals that are genetically diverse reduces inbreeding depression. The project will also monitor the impact of supplementation on the evolutionary trajectory of Devil Facial Tumour Disease. The project will train a cohort of conservation scientists to translate genetic data into management actions. The outputs will directly inform the management actions of the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries Parks, Water and the Environment and will help shape other species recovery programs.Read moreRead less
Investigating a new way in which diet impacts animal biology. This project aims to investigate the importance of a new way in which diet can alter animal biology. High fat or high sugar diets increase the binding of products of metabolism to chromosomes, which can completely alter the way that DNA is packaged and read. This project will use cell culture, rodent and fly models to identify the regions of the genome that are most affected by the new process. The project will also determine whether ....Investigating a new way in which diet impacts animal biology. This project aims to investigate the importance of a new way in which diet can alter animal biology. High fat or high sugar diets increase the binding of products of metabolism to chromosomes, which can completely alter the way that DNA is packaged and read. This project will use cell culture, rodent and fly models to identify the regions of the genome that are most affected by the new process. The project will also determine whether the cell is harmed, or in fact harnesses the process to control development or metabolism. This project has implications for our understanding of the ways in which genes interact with the environment especially in times of change.Read moreRead less