Elucidating the neural pathways and genetic basis of speech. The project will elucidate the biological basis of speech, a unique feature of the human condition. The project will do this by i) discovering genes associated with speech disorder and ii) defining the neural pathways associated with speech production. This study will address critical questions regarding gene, brain and behaviour relationships in speech.
Genetic control of plant organ growth. Plants organs, such as leaves and petals, have a distinct size and shape reflecting differences in growth. Despite its importance, very little is known about the mechanisms that regulate growth. The objectives of this proposal are a) to test whether organ growth depends on cell-cell signalling and b) to identifying genes that regulate growth, and to characterize their molecular function.
Evolution, selection and estimation of polygenic epistatic networks in quantitative traits. Traits observed in organisms, such as height, are the result of an individual's genes and how they relate to the environment. But genes do not act alone; they work together in complex interactions. This project aims to understand these interactions and their role in animal production and human disease.
Marsupial germ cells and genes. Germ cells are the most fascinating cells in the body, since theirs is the unique responsibility for transmitting life from generation to generation. Studies in mice have suggested that position in the embryo determines their origin, but the early embryology of the mouse is so different from that of other mammals that the events need confirming and extending in another species. The simplified embryology of the tammar wallaby makes it ideal for studying one of the ....Marsupial germ cells and genes. Germ cells are the most fascinating cells in the body, since theirs is the unique responsibility for transmitting life from generation to generation. Studies in mice have suggested that position in the embryo determines their origin, but the early embryology of the mouse is so different from that of other mammals that the events need confirming and extending in another species. The simplified embryology of the tammar wallaby makes it ideal for studying one of the most fundamental questions in the whole of biology: what is the basis for the primal distinction between sex and soma?Read moreRead less
How does the unilaminar blastocyst form an embryo? Marsupials are synonymous with Australia and they are scientifically amazing. An understanding how the single-layered marsupial blastocyst cells are directed to form the complex organisation of an embryo would help us understand the biology underlying the developmental potential of all cells. Understanding these processes is not only of great fundamental interest to developmental biology but also for the development of embryonic stem cell lines. ....How does the unilaminar blastocyst form an embryo? Marsupials are synonymous with Australia and they are scientifically amazing. An understanding how the single-layered marsupial blastocyst cells are directed to form the complex organisation of an embryo would help us understand the biology underlying the developmental potential of all cells. Understanding these processes is not only of great fundamental interest to developmental biology but also for the development of embryonic stem cell lines. This research will continue Australia's high profile in reproductive biology using one of our iconic native mammals. A greater understanding of marsupial reproduction will also contribute to management of our threatened marsupial populations.Read moreRead less
Taming the intruders: the domestication of Tigger transposable elements in mammals. It has become apparent that most of the DNA that makes us what we are is actually comprised of the remnants of invading parasitic DNA acquired over time. A continual battle exists between host which tries to silence or remove this DNA, and the parasite that tries to multiply and spread. We are currently investigating an intriguing aspect of this process that involves host genomes 'domesticating' parasitic DNA to ....Taming the intruders: the domestication of Tigger transposable elements in mammals. It has become apparent that most of the DNA that makes us what we are is actually comprised of the remnants of invading parasitic DNA acquired over time. A continual battle exists between host which tries to silence or remove this DNA, and the parasite that tries to multiply and spread. We are currently investigating an intriguing aspect of this process that involves host genomes 'domesticating' parasitic DNA to provide novel functions, thereby facilitating the evolution of specific characteristics within species.Read moreRead less
Investigating differences in decision-making ability in older adults. This project aims to investigate how healthy ageing impacts decision making and its associated neural circuits using computation modelling and neurogenetic methods. Decision-making is a fundamental cognitive ability, allowing us to choose the best course of action. This project will investigate the relationship between genes and decision-making performance across the adult lifespan. Expected outcomes include a deeper understan ....Investigating differences in decision-making ability in older adults. This project aims to investigate how healthy ageing impacts decision making and its associated neural circuits using computation modelling and neurogenetic methods. Decision-making is a fundamental cognitive ability, allowing us to choose the best course of action. This project will investigate the relationship between genes and decision-making performance across the adult lifespan. Expected outcomes include a deeper understanding of how decision-making evolves in healthy ageing, and a tool based on genetic scores and computational modelling to predict an individual's trajectory of cognitive function. This could help identify individuals who are at risk for cognitive decline, which could then inform better interventions.Read moreRead less
Actin cytoskeleton regulation by E-cadherin and Src. This project examines a fundamental, novel mechanism of how cells work together in tissues. It will provide important new knowledge about how tissues become organized in health, and how organization might be disturbed in disease. It will build Australia's skill base in cutting-edge scientific research, and promote knowledge directed to the research priority area of Promoting and Maintaining Good Health.
How the Y Chromosome makes a male: Molecular genetic analysis of key sex-determining genes. Sex reversal and intersex syndromes are among the most common and highly stigmatized disorders affecting newborn babies. Our research will reveal how the Y chromosome regulates normal male development, identify the steps that go wrong in many male babies, and suggest ways to diagnose and deal with these conditions. It will also pave the way for biotechnological applications in the areas of stem cell techn ....How the Y Chromosome makes a male: Molecular genetic analysis of key sex-determining genes. Sex reversal and intersex syndromes are among the most common and highly stigmatized disorders affecting newborn babies. Our research will reveal how the Y chromosome regulates normal male development, identify the steps that go wrong in many male babies, and suggest ways to diagnose and deal with these conditions. It will also pave the way for biotechnological applications in the areas of stem cell technology, pest management, wildlife conservation and animal breeding.Read moreRead less
MOLECULAR GENETICS OF MAMMALIAN SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT: Molecular roles of SRY and SOX9. The development of sexual characteristics is critical to the survival of almost all animal species. This project seeks to clarify how male and female embryos develop differently, focusing on the Y-chromosome maleness gene Sry, and a closely related and equally important gene Sox9. We will study how these genes are switched on in developing gonads and how they interact with other genes to bring about testis forma ....MOLECULAR GENETICS OF MAMMALIAN SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT: Molecular roles of SRY and SOX9. The development of sexual characteristics is critical to the survival of almost all animal species. This project seeks to clarify how male and female embryos develop differently, focusing on the Y-chromosome maleness gene Sry, and a closely related and equally important gene Sox9. We will study how these genes are switched on in developing gonads and how they interact with other genes to bring about testis formation in male embryos. In this way we will discover new genes and mechanisms that are important for sexual identity and also other aspects of embryo development.Read moreRead less