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
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0452392
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$155,645.00
Summary
Australian Robotic Biobank Facility. The Australian Robotic Biobank Facility is envisaged as the national DNA extraction centre for generating archival-quality DNA. It will integrate with the existing Australian Plant DNA Bank to accelerate scientific discovery in biodiversity conservation and plant genetic improvement. The facility will augment Southern Cross University's extensive research collaborations with other Australian universities, institutions and agencies. It will provide the funda ....Australian Robotic Biobank Facility. The Australian Robotic Biobank Facility is envisaged as the national DNA extraction centre for generating archival-quality DNA. It will integrate with the existing Australian Plant DNA Bank to accelerate scientific discovery in biodiversity conservation and plant genetic improvement. The facility will augment Southern Cross University's extensive research collaborations with other Australian universities, institutions and agencies. It will provide the fundamental infrastructure to support research aimed at sustainable utilization and conservation management of Australia's genetic resources. The unique capacity to provide high quality archived DNA will be made possible by the precision instrumentation platform of the Australian Robotic Biobank Facility.Read moreRead less
Choosing when to be sexual: clonal and sexual reproduction in a population of honey bees. Sex is costly. There is the cost of finding a mate and the genome of offspring must be shared with the mating partner. Despite these costs, sex is common in animals, so the benefits of sex must be substantial. Benefits may include the prevention of inbreeding and generating variable offspring. Exploring the trade off between sex and cloning requires a model system where individuals can choose to reproduce ....Choosing when to be sexual: clonal and sexual reproduction in a population of honey bees. Sex is costly. There is the cost of finding a mate and the genome of offspring must be shared with the mating partner. Despite these costs, sex is common in animals, so the benefits of sex must be substantial. Benefits may include the prevention of inbreeding and generating variable offspring. Exploring the trade off between sex and cloning requires a model system where individuals can choose to reproduce sexually or asexually. This project will explore a population of honey bees where a genetic mutation allows queens to clone themselves or reproduce sexually. We will reveal the unusual genetic mechanisms behind this ability and show how they are used by queens and workers to increase their reproductive success.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130100894
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$361,140.00
Summary
Nanolamps: unlocking targeted gene silencing in deep tissue with nanoparticle-based light sources. In order to better understand the function of genes, this project will develop a new method of tightly targeted gene silencing deep inside of the body by nanoscale light sources. This will shed new light on the nervous system and, in the first instance, help to elucidate the role of the PACAP neurons in blood pressure regulation.
Challenging current dogma on the inheritance of mitochondrial DNA. Mutations in mitochondrial DNA are often used to infer genetic relationships and have been associated with the expression of human diseases. This project examines the exact mechanism of inheritance of mitochondrial genes to enhance biological interpretations and our understanding of the heritability of specific diseases.
RNA-based analysis for prediction of islet death in diabetes. Death of insulin-producing cells is a common feature in diabetes. Presently, a blood glucose test remains the only blunt instrument to diagnose diabetes. The RNA-based analysis for prediction of islet death in diabetes (RAPID) study links with eight clinical trials to test this newly developed non-invasive assay for predicting diabetes. Early diagnosis will help to reduce diabetic complications in later life.
An epigenetic basis for foetal programming. The social and economic impact of adult-onset diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis is increasing. Evidence indicates that a mother's nutrition influences the risk of her children developing some diseases later in life. This proposal aims to elucidate the mechanism underlying this phenomenon. By understanding the mechanism through which maternal nutrition affects disease risk, we may make it possible to design early diagnosis and ....An epigenetic basis for foetal programming. The social and economic impact of adult-onset diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis is increasing. Evidence indicates that a mother's nutrition influences the risk of her children developing some diseases later in life. This proposal aims to elucidate the mechanism underlying this phenomenon. By understanding the mechanism through which maternal nutrition affects disease risk, we may make it possible to design early diagnosis and intervention strategies. Our work may suggest intervention strategies - such as supplementation of at-risk mothers with key molecules such as methyl donors - during foetal and early postnatal life, which could be key to preventing premature morbidity and mortality.Read moreRead less
Environmental metagenomics, metaproteomics and novel bioactives from microbial communities in Antarctic lakes. This program will derive an integrated understanding of microbial ecology which is essential for determining ways of preserving the health of the World's ecosystems. Through this, Australia will remain a world leader in Antarctic biology, strengthening Australia's reputation in technologically innovative scientific programs of global significance, training local scientists in cutting ed ....Environmental metagenomics, metaproteomics and novel bioactives from microbial communities in Antarctic lakes. This program will derive an integrated understanding of microbial ecology which is essential for determining ways of preserving the health of the World's ecosystems. Through this, Australia will remain a world leader in Antarctic biology, strengthening Australia's reputation in technologically innovative scientific programs of global significance, training local scientists in cutting edge genomic biology and fostering the interests of the international community in sciences ranging from microbial ecology to bioprospecting. Novel biodegradable enzymes will be developed to replace harsh chemicals providing environmentally friendly, cheaper and more effective agents for use in medical, biotechnological, industrial and biodefense applications.Read moreRead less
Beyond pineal melatonin: sensing the seasons without the eye. The project will identify the causal connection between seasonal breeding in animals and a recently recognised brain biochemical pathway by applying experimental treatments mimicking seasonal environmental changes in a mutant and wild-type nematode worm model. Through experimentation we will identify useful biological targets that might be manipulated to enhance control of seasonal breeding in managed animals. With better control of r ....Beyond pineal melatonin: sensing the seasons without the eye. The project will identify the causal connection between seasonal breeding in animals and a recently recognised brain biochemical pathway by applying experimental treatments mimicking seasonal environmental changes in a mutant and wild-type nematode worm model. Through experimentation we will identify useful biological targets that might be manipulated to enhance control of seasonal breeding in managed animals. With better control of reproductive output in animals, farmers and managers can increase and/or decrease reproductive output as needed in managed species including livestock and vertebrate pests. This will enhance the use of precious land resources and minimize ecological damage from overbreeding.Read moreRead less
Functional analysis of nucleic acid binding protein that is essential for mammalian development. The complex pathway by which the information contained in our genes is used by the body is far from understood. The project will explore an important protein component of this pathway, that is essential for normal embryonic development. The aim of this project is to understand how this protein regulates human development.