Examination of unique tear lipids and their role in the tear film's structure and function. The tear film lipid layer covers the eye, stabilises the tears and prevents their evaporation. Yet its structure, function and composition are yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this project is to fully characterise the unique lipids in this layer, the long-chain omega-hydroxy fatty acids (not found elsewhere in the body), and to determine their role in its structure and function. The project is signi ....Examination of unique tear lipids and their role in the tear film's structure and function. The tear film lipid layer covers the eye, stabilises the tears and prevents their evaporation. Yet its structure, function and composition are yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this project is to fully characterise the unique lipids in this layer, the long-chain omega-hydroxy fatty acids (not found elsewhere in the body), and to determine their role in its structure and function. The project is significant because the unique combination of skills including synthetic chemistry, mass spectrometry, lipidomics, biochemistry, biophysics which aim to result in a major shift in the understanding of this layer.Read moreRead less
ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science. The ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science (CIPPS) strives to build a critical understanding of peptides and proteins in order to unleash the potential of these biomolecules for human benefit. We will discover nature’s untapped reservoir of peptides and proteins, decode their structures and functions, and
develop enhanced synthetic technologies to address biology’s next grand challenge—the d ....ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science. The ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science (CIPPS) strives to build a critical understanding of peptides and proteins in order to unleash the potential of these biomolecules for human benefit. We will discover nature’s untapped reservoir of peptides and proteins, decode their structures and functions, and
develop enhanced synthetic technologies to address biology’s next grand challenge—the design of peptides and proteins for targeted scientific, agricultural, biotechnology, animal health and pharmaceutical applications. CIPPS will assemble leading researchers from diverse disciplines to create a sustainable national entity that will drive new Australian industries and train next generation researchers.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0989946
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$357,000.00
Summary
High Resolution LC/MS and MALDI for Molecular and Macromolecular Characterisation. The provision of high-resolution and matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometers configured for the molecular and macromolecular research of high quality research groups will lead to earlier and better fundamental discoveries that are directed at important practical developments in medicine, biotechnology, nanotechnology, light-energy harvesting, polymer materials and sensors. These include anti ....High Resolution LC/MS and MALDI for Molecular and Macromolecular Characterisation. The provision of high-resolution and matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometers configured for the molecular and macromolecular research of high quality research groups will lead to earlier and better fundamental discoveries that are directed at important practical developments in medicine, biotechnology, nanotechnology, light-energy harvesting, polymer materials and sensors. These include anticancer agents, nanodevices for drug delivery, better polymers with more energy efficient industrial processes, bioactive molecules for industrially important nitrogen fixation and many more. Read moreRead less
ARC Centre of Excellence - Centre for Free Radical Chemistry and Biotechnology. Free radical chemistry is of increasing importance in the manufacture of improved plastics, paints and related materials, in helping restrict oxidative processes that can lead to adverse human health and also to the degradation of important industrial materials. The research will contribute to promoting & maintaining good health by developing new methods for reducing the impacts of ageing as well as in the treatment ....ARC Centre of Excellence - Centre for Free Radical Chemistry and Biotechnology. Free radical chemistry is of increasing importance in the manufacture of improved plastics, paints and related materials, in helping restrict oxidative processes that can lead to adverse human health and also to the degradation of important industrial materials. The research will contribute to promoting & maintaining good health by developing new methods for reducing the impacts of ageing as well as in the treatment of several life-threatening conditions such as stroke. Industrial applications include better surface coatings for preserving metals, and additives to improve the quality and shelf life of beer and wines.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140101632
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,220.00
Summary
Development of Innovative Chemical Tools for Studying Glycosyltransferases . This project aims to develop chemical probes capable of selectively binding and inhibiting two classes of carbohydrate processing enzymes known as O-linked beta-N-acetylglucosamine transferase and sialyltransferases. These enzymes are overexpressed in various cancers and play critical roles in cancer progression. Probes will be developed to analyse the activities of these enzymes in cancer cells.
Anti-Cancer Natural Products: Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Lasonolide A and Analogues. One in three men and one in four women in Australia will be diagnosed with cancer before they reach 75. Cancer is a leading cause of death within this country with 28% of deaths each year due to this disease. Although there have been advances in the treatment of various forms of cancer there remains a pressing need for new therapies with improved potency, selectivity and reduced side effects. T ....Anti-Cancer Natural Products: Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Lasonolide A and Analogues. One in three men and one in four women in Australia will be diagnosed with cancer before they reach 75. Cancer is a leading cause of death within this country with 28% of deaths each year due to this disease. Although there have been advances in the treatment of various forms of cancer there remains a pressing need for new therapies with improved potency, selectivity and reduced side effects. This project will provide new compounds of potential clinical use in the treatment of cancer, thereby aiding the large population of Australians who will be affected by this disease. Furthermore, the new advanced materials produced by this project will aid in the study of biochemical processes involved in cancer.Read moreRead less
Supramolecular assembly in photovoltaic electrode design: Studies of ordered porphyrin/acceptor complexes on polythiophene electrodes. This research outlines an improved way to develop dye-sensitised photovoltaic solar cells for the conversion of sunlight into electricity, by increasing the molecular order of the cell components using host, guest interrelationships. As such, it addresses a problem of international concern 'How to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stop global warming?' since s ....Supramolecular assembly in photovoltaic electrode design: Studies of ordered porphyrin/acceptor complexes on polythiophene electrodes. This research outlines an improved way to develop dye-sensitised photovoltaic solar cells for the conversion of sunlight into electricity, by increasing the molecular order of the cell components using host, guest interrelationships. As such, it addresses a problem of international concern 'How to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stop global warming?' since solar cells do not produce carbon dioxide. To achieve our goals we draw on the skills of a team of experts from Australia (synthetic organic chemists), New Zealand (polymer and surface chemists) and Italy (photochemist and photophysicist). Such research is very appropriate for regional Australia, especially Central Queensland.Read moreRead less
Design and Development of HIV-1 Integrase Inhibitors Based on a Natural Product Lead. HIV/AIDS is a significant health problem with over 40 million people infected with HIV worldwide. Resistance to current drugs is rising rapidly and new therapeutics are urgently needed. This project will bring together local expertise in organic synthesis and virology in order to develop new and better treatments for HIV/AIDS. Ultimately, Australians with HIV may benefit directly from anti-HIV compounds produce ....Design and Development of HIV-1 Integrase Inhibitors Based on a Natural Product Lead. HIV/AIDS is a significant health problem with over 40 million people infected with HIV worldwide. Resistance to current drugs is rising rapidly and new therapeutics are urgently needed. This project will bring together local expertise in organic synthesis and virology in order to develop new and better treatments for HIV/AIDS. Ultimately, Australians with HIV may benefit directly from anti-HIV compounds produced and may also benefit from advances in our understanding of this elusive virus resulting from the project.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775676
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$290,000.00
Summary
An X-ray Diffraction Facility for Molecular Structure Determination. Characterisation of new chemical compounds demands proof of molecular structure. Whether for the identification of a new drug candidate, a material with novel properties or in the exploration of previously unknown types of compounds, X-ray crystallography is the definitive technique for this purpose. This proposal is for an X-ray diffractometer that will significantly enhance the capabilities of all synthetic and natural produc ....An X-ray Diffraction Facility for Molecular Structure Determination. Characterisation of new chemical compounds demands proof of molecular structure. Whether for the identification of a new drug candidate, a material with novel properties or in the exploration of previously unknown types of compounds, X-ray crystallography is the definitive technique for this purpose. This proposal is for an X-ray diffractometer that will significantly enhance the capabilities of all synthetic and natural products chemistry research programs undertaken at the Universities of Queensland and Newcastle, all currently in receipt of ARC funding. This research is aligned with the ARC National Research Priorities, of Promoting and Maintaining Good Health and Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries.Read moreRead less