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microRNAs and the control of T lymphocyte differentiation, function and malignant transformation. The molecular mechanism of the immune system is not completely understood. This project will investigate how transcription factors and microRNAs, two major types of regulatory molecules work together to control immune responses. The results from this research will assist in the design of better vaccination strategies and treat certain lymphomas.
Host-tumour interplay in Tasmanian devils with devil facial tumour disease: can immune cells be harnessed for therapy? Tasmanian devils only exist naturally in Tasmania and Devil Facial Tumour Disease, an infectious cancer, could cause the extinction of the Tasmanian devil. This project will determine if Devil Facial Tumour Disease reduces the effectiveness of the devil's immune system and test if activated immune cells can protect against this disease.
Immunisation to protect against transmissible cancers in Tasmanian devils. This project aims to identify the immune escape mechanisms that the transmissible cancers, Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) use to avoid being killed by the immune system. Since the discovery of the second transmissible cancer (DFT2) mystery surrounds whether the devils immune system can respond to this cancer, hence this project will investigate the immune response to DFT2. The final aims are to develop a vaccine with ....Immunisation to protect against transmissible cancers in Tasmanian devils. This project aims to identify the immune escape mechanisms that the transmissible cancers, Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) use to avoid being killed by the immune system. Since the discovery of the second transmissible cancer (DFT2) mystery surrounds whether the devils immune system can respond to this cancer, hence this project will investigate the immune response to DFT2. The final aims are to develop a vaccine with the potential to protect healthy devils and cure devils with DFTD.Read moreRead less
How SEP-like genes determine cereal inflorescence architecture. This project aims to understand the morphological diversity of inflorescence architecture between cereal crop species. To do so, this project will identify functions and analyse the regulatory networks of conserved SEPALLATA genes (SEPs). This will enable them to determine cereal inflorescence morphogenesis of rice (branching) and barley (non-branching), representing the most important cereals. Identifying and understanding rice and ....How SEP-like genes determine cereal inflorescence architecture. This project aims to understand the morphological diversity of inflorescence architecture between cereal crop species. To do so, this project will identify functions and analyse the regulatory networks of conserved SEPALLATA genes (SEPs). This will enable them to determine cereal inflorescence morphogenesis of rice (branching) and barley (non-branching), representing the most important cereals. Identifying and understanding rice and barley SEPs, their direct targets and interactors, and how they regulate inflorescence branches and spikelets in both species is expected to provide evolutionary and developmental insights and targets to improve for crop yield. A molecular understanding of the regulatory network that underpins inflorescence shape and grain number will advance fundamental biology, and could form the basis for significant yield improvements by manipulating key points in the developmental pathway.Read moreRead less
Phage display derived antibody fragments for membrane protein research. Membrane proteins are key components of all living organisms and represent more than 50 per cent of all drug targets. This project will redefine the way membrane proteins are studied and will be highly beneficial to basic research, human disease and the biotechnology industry.
Delineating the role of the GxxxG motif in transmembrane protein metabolism. This study will define how a well defined motif involved in transmembrane interactions affects the metabolism of proteins. Since this motif is present in proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease it has potential benefits for community health and combating ageing.
What limits CO2 diffusion inside leaves? Dissecting the diffusion path with Arabidopsis mutants. Human induced increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide is now generally accepted as contributing to global warming. Forecasting our future impact relies on models of terrestrial photosynthesis which use a signature in the atmosphere created by plants when they discriminate against the heavy stable isotope of carbon during photosynthesis. Discrimination between isotopes is affected by carbon dioxide dif ....What limits CO2 diffusion inside leaves? Dissecting the diffusion path with Arabidopsis mutants. Human induced increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide is now generally accepted as contributing to global warming. Forecasting our future impact relies on models of terrestrial photosynthesis which use a signature in the atmosphere created by plants when they discriminate against the heavy stable isotope of carbon during photosynthesis. Discrimination between isotopes is affected by carbon dioxide diffusion within leaves and key steps in this process will be identified through the use of Arabidopsis mutants. Better representation of this process in models will improve estimates of terrestrial photosynthesis and climate change forecastsRead moreRead less
Structure, dynamics and interactions of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein-2. The solution structure of the merozoite surface protein-2 (MSP-2), from Plasmodium falciparum the causative agent of malaria, will be determined along with an analysis of the motions of residues within the protein. This will allow insights into interactions occurring at the surface coat of the organism, where MSP-2 is a major component. An understanding of how this protein interacts with antibodies of the ....Structure, dynamics and interactions of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein-2. The solution structure of the merozoite surface protein-2 (MSP-2), from Plasmodium falciparum the causative agent of malaria, will be determined along with an analysis of the motions of residues within the protein. This will allow insights into interactions occurring at the surface coat of the organism, where MSP-2 is a major component. An understanding of how this protein interacts with antibodies of the host's immune system will also be gained. The techniques established during the study of MSP-2 will be useful for the study of larger proteins and protein complexes from many systems in the future.Read moreRead less
Investigating the dynamic nature of antibody stability. The aim of the project is to provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of antibody stability. Monoclonal antibodies have transformed the study of biological processes and represent blockbuster therapeutics for cancer and inflammation. Unfortunately, antibodies often display limited stability, which greatly hinders development. Mutations have recently been identified that render human antibodies resistant to aggregation, and high-resolu ....Investigating the dynamic nature of antibody stability. The aim of the project is to provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of antibody stability. Monoclonal antibodies have transformed the study of biological processes and represent blockbuster therapeutics for cancer and inflammation. Unfortunately, antibodies often display limited stability, which greatly hinders development. Mutations have recently been identified that render human antibodies resistant to aggregation, and high-resolution crystal structures are being used to identify function. Intriguingly, preliminary data indicates that the mutations do not affect the native antibody structure, but rather influence dynamic states. The project plans to use a combination of mutagenesis, molecular dynamics simulation and deuterium exchange to study antibody dynamics.Read moreRead less
Molecular and Cellular Characterisations of the Cortical Actin Cytoskeleton in the Plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant cells contain extensive arrays of the cytoskeletal protein actin that attach to the plasma membrane and may play important roles in cell elongation through interactions with cortical microtubules. However, the organisation, dynamics and functions of cortical actin remain poorly understood. I will combine cell and molecular approaches to understanding cortical actin in living tissu ....Molecular and Cellular Characterisations of the Cortical Actin Cytoskeleton in the Plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant cells contain extensive arrays of the cytoskeletal protein actin that attach to the plasma membrane and may play important roles in cell elongation through interactions with cortical microtubules. However, the organisation, dynamics and functions of cortical actin remain poorly understood. I will combine cell and molecular approaches to understanding cortical actin in living tissue of Arabidopsis, using both wild-type and previously uncharacterised mutants, and will develop a novel mutational screening strategy to isolate mutants disrupted in plasma membrane or microtubule binding. This research will contribute significantly to a greater understanding of how the plant grows and develops.Read moreRead less