Activation mechanisms of store-operated calcium channels in liver cells. Currently, one of the most active areas of research in biology involves the molecular mechanisms that control the activity of cells. Defining these will provide a deeper understanding of normal function and disease, and provide potential therapeutic targets. This group has an international reputation for its work and it makes a major input to maintaining Australia as a significant contributor to this field. While its resea ....Activation mechanisms of store-operated calcium channels in liver cells. Currently, one of the most active areas of research in biology involves the molecular mechanisms that control the activity of cells. Defining these will provide a deeper understanding of normal function and disease, and provide potential therapeutic targets. This group has an international reputation for its work and it makes a major input to maintaining Australia as a significant contributor to this field. While its research has broad application in biology, its specific focus, calcium signalling in the liver, will provide the basis for understanding liver function and disease and, potentially, for developing new treatments for liver disease associated with abnormal calcium homeostasis.Read moreRead less
Three-dimensional structures, substrate specificities and catalytic mechanisms of polysaccharide synthases. Plant wall polysaccharides are extensively used for food and fibre, and are important dietary components in human nutrition. A precise knowledge of mechanisms used by plants to synthesize these polysaccharides is unavailable, but would reveal potential routes to manipulate their biosynthesis in important crop species. For example, the levels or structures of polysaccharides might be modif ....Three-dimensional structures, substrate specificities and catalytic mechanisms of polysaccharide synthases. Plant wall polysaccharides are extensively used for food and fibre, and are important dietary components in human nutrition. A precise knowledge of mechanisms used by plants to synthesize these polysaccharides is unavailable, but would reveal potential routes to manipulate their biosynthesis in important crop species. For example, the levels or structures of polysaccharides might be modified to improve their efficacy as anti-cancer agents in human diets, to enhance digestibility of animal stock feeds, or to synthesise pharmologically valuable compounds. Thus, economic, social and environmental benefits will flow to both producers and consumers. Read moreRead less
New uses for milk-derived products for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection and gastro-intestinal site-specific delivery of active agents. Helicobacter pylori is the most significant bacterial pathogen in the world, infecting 50% globally. Current treatments are inducing rapid antibiotic resistance and are thus becoming increasingly less effective. The infection is acquired in childhood and new methods to prevent and/or treat the infection, minimising acquisition of antibiotic resistance ....New uses for milk-derived products for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection and gastro-intestinal site-specific delivery of active agents. Helicobacter pylori is the most significant bacterial pathogen in the world, infecting 50% globally. Current treatments are inducing rapid antibiotic resistance and are thus becoming increasingly less effective. The infection is acquired in childhood and new methods to prevent and/or treat the infection, minimising acquisition of antibiotic resistance are urgently required. This project seeks to develop new ways of doing this that combine novel antibacterials with techniques to deliver them (and monitor this delivery) as well as modify the complex protective habitat in the stomach.Read moreRead less