A Stem Cell-specific MicroRNA-independent Function Of Drosha
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$637,702.00
Summary
Stem cells are responsible for producing and replenishing the ~200 specialised cell types in our body. Our goal is to understand the molecular switches that control the function of these cells. We recently discovered that the activity of certain genes within stem cells is controlled by degradation. This degradation is absolutely crucial for safeguarding the function of stem cells. This project will investigate how this novel mechanism is controlled within these cells.
Directed Molecular Evolution Of G Protein-coupled Receptors For Stable And Functional Expression In Escherichia Coli
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$383,479.00
Summary
Approximately half of all prescription drugs on the market act on G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The mechanisms underlying GPCR function are mainly unknown due to a lack of structural information. No solved structures exist for any of the estimated 800 human GPCRs, making it difficult to design new drugs. By applying advanced protein engineering techniques I aim to produce human GPCRs in bacteria to ultimately acquire structural information, which will enable novel drug development.
Discovery And Mechanisms Of Host Cell Factors In HIV Uncoating
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$635,098.00
Summary
HIV entry into the host cell involves release of its capsid, a protein shell protecting the viral genome. The capsid hijacks host proteins to cloak itself from cellular defenses while the cell has evolved sensors that can block viral infection. This proposal aims to discover proteins involved in this arms race between host and virus and decipher how they control capsid disassembly. This insight will help design new drugs against HIV infection and new ways to deliver genes for gene therapies.
Structural And Functional Analysis Of A Cancer-linked Co-regulator Complex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$729,571.00
Summary
We seek to understand the mechanisms by which genes are switched on and off throughout our lifetime. A number of multi-component protein machines are involved in this process but their make-up and mechanism of action is not understood. We will investigate the structure and function of one of these machines that has been strongly linked to cancer.
Assembly And Function Of Two Interacting Oncogenic Scaffolds
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$705,585.00
Summary
Aberrant signaling by the protein kinase superfamily is a known driving force for many cancers and inflammatory diseases. Recently, a subset of kinase-like proteins, termed pseudokinases, have emerged as crucial regulators of kinase signalling pathways. This proposal focuses on elucidating the scaffolding function and assembly of two pseudokinases, termed SgK223 and SgK269, which display oncogenic properties and aims to understand how their signalling abilities are subverted in a disease state.
Design And Engineering Of Adnectins For Diagnosis And Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$803,152.00
Summary
This project aims to engineer a naturally-occurring human protein, called an adnectin, to produce molecules that are able to bind specific targets in the human body, and as such may be used in the diagnosis and therapy of a range of diseases.
Prion-like Behaviour In Immunity: Super-sized Signalling Platforms?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$611,995.00
Summary
Prions have been mostly associated with pathologies but recent discoveries show that prion-like behaviour may be beneficial, enhancing our immune response for example. To test this, we want to systematically explore all human proteins involved in the defence against pathogens, find new prion-like trends and probe their role in the innate immune response.
Information Delivery from Segmented Textual Data Streams. This project will contribute to the advancement of ICT innovation in Australia by developing a robust, reusable language understanding engine. The technology will be tailored to web applications, in the form of a conceptually-aware web search engine capable of tracking cross-document dialogues and identifying the core semantic thread of the dialogue. It will place Australia at the forefront of next-generation language technology developme ....Information Delivery from Segmented Textual Data Streams. This project will contribute to the advancement of ICT innovation in Australia by developing a robust, reusable language understanding engine. The technology will be tailored to web applications, in the form of a conceptually-aware web search engine capable of tracking cross-document dialogues and identifying the core semantic thread of the dialogue. It will place Australia at the forefront of next-generation language technology development, with applications in areas including concept-based multi-document summarisation and email surveillance.Read moreRead less