Role of autophagy in degradation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localised protein aggregates. This study will provide a new understanding of protein aggregate accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a phenomenon that occurs in aging cells and protein conformational diseases, and under stress conditions and during secretory protein overexpression. This information will inform strategies to prevent the onset of protein conformational diseases and help identify targets for pharmaceutical int ....Role of autophagy in degradation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localised protein aggregates. This study will provide a new understanding of protein aggregate accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a phenomenon that occurs in aging cells and protein conformational diseases, and under stress conditions and during secretory protein overexpression. This information will inform strategies to prevent the onset of protein conformational diseases and help identify targets for pharmaceutical intervention. In addition, a powerful model system for studies of ER protein aggregation will be established, high-level training in biochemistry and morphometry will be provided, and an international collaboration of the highest calibre will be initiated.Read moreRead less
Complex Motion Processing in Primate Visual Cortex. As we move through the world, a dynamic visual image is projected onto our retinas. The pattern of movement in the retinal image contains information about three-dimensional structure in the environment and the time of impending collisions. Our visual systems are expert at exploiting this information, enabling us to navigate through complex visual environments at a level far beyond the most sophisticated artificial systems. We plan to investiga ....Complex Motion Processing in Primate Visual Cortex. As we move through the world, a dynamic visual image is projected onto our retinas. The pattern of movement in the retinal image contains information about three-dimensional structure in the environment and the time of impending collisions. Our visual systems are expert at exploiting this information, enabling us to navigate through complex visual environments at a level far beyond the most sophisticated artificial systems. We plan to investigate complex motion processing in the primate brain by recording the responses of neurons in identified regions of the visual cortex of macaque monkeys to a range of behaviourally relevant motion stimuli.Read moreRead less
Biomaterial applications of synthetic elastin. The grant will develop a new collaboration between two established laboratories. The Weiss Lab (synthetic elastin; University of Sydney, Australia) will send elastin materials to the Langer Lab (interface of biotechnology and materials science; MIT, USA). Prof. Weiss will visit the Langer Lab and be trained in and participate collaboratively in the use of established MIT methodologies that will focus on applications in cardiac tissue engineering, co ....Biomaterial applications of synthetic elastin. The grant will develop a new collaboration between two established laboratories. The Weiss Lab (synthetic elastin; University of Sydney, Australia) will send elastin materials to the Langer Lab (interface of biotechnology and materials science; MIT, USA). Prof. Weiss will visit the Langer Lab and be trained in and participate collaboratively in the use of established MIT methodologies that will focus on applications in cardiac tissue engineering, controlled release of drugs and vocal fold repair. The MIT group will benefit from access to and the use of elastin materials that are developed in AustraliaRead moreRead less