Novel kinases: How do they regulate epithelial ion transport, and what is their role in epithelial function? The project will produce the knowledge of fundamental physiology that will lead to novel approaches for treating respiratory and gastrointestinal infections and cystic fibrosis, as well as for the accumulation of fluid in the lungs and abdomen that accompany many advanced malignancies. It thus has the potential to have a significant economic and social impact in Australia and internation ....Novel kinases: How do they regulate epithelial ion transport, and what is their role in epithelial function? The project will produce the knowledge of fundamental physiology that will lead to novel approaches for treating respiratory and gastrointestinal infections and cystic fibrosis, as well as for the accumulation of fluid in the lungs and abdomen that accompany many advanced malignancies. It thus has the potential to have a significant economic and social impact in Australia and internationally. Furthermore, it will provide advanced training in research methods to Australian scientists, equipping them to undertake challenging and interesting positions in the medical and life sciences and beyond.Read moreRead less
A new paradigm for surfactant composition and function - how do lungs cope with stress? Our research will increase the understanding of the scope of change and precise molecular interactions occurring in the surfactant lipids and proteins of animals under physiological stress. The novel insights will improve the treatment of lung diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute lung injury). We have formed a team of international surfactant researchers all experts in state-of-th ....A new paradigm for surfactant composition and function - how do lungs cope with stress? Our research will increase the understanding of the scope of change and precise molecular interactions occurring in the surfactant lipids and proteins of animals under physiological stress. The novel insights will improve the treatment of lung diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute lung injury). We have formed a team of international surfactant researchers all experts in state-of-the-art chemical and biophysical technologies relating to surfactant. These collaborations will bring new technological applications to Australia and provide outstanding cross-disciplinary training for postgraduate students and research staff at the interface between animal physiology, biophysical chemistry and respiratory medicine.Read moreRead less
A genetic analysis of the role of an atypical hexokinase in gene regulation. This project addresses a question which is relevant to all living things-how do changes in the environment of a cell bring about a change in gene expression? The aim of this project is to investigate the role of hexokinases in gene regulation by studying the Aspergillus nidulans xprF gene, which encodes an an unusual hexokinase. Hexokinases are thought to be the glucose sensors in plants, animals and fungi, and play a ....A genetic analysis of the role of an atypical hexokinase in gene regulation. This project addresses a question which is relevant to all living things-how do changes in the environment of a cell bring about a change in gene expression? The aim of this project is to investigate the role of hexokinases in gene regulation by studying the Aspergillus nidulans xprF gene, which encodes an an unusual hexokinase. Hexokinases are thought to be the glucose sensors in plants, animals and fungi, and play a role in the development of diabetes in humans. In plants, sugars affect many processes including growth, flowering, photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, starch synthesis, pigmentation and response to pathogens.Read moreRead less
Environmental control of genetic/phenotypic interactions in lung development: An evolutionary perspective. Vertebrate lungs all contain morphologically and functionally similar lung lining cells. However, the cellular arrangement (i.e. lung morphology) and the function of the surfactant these cells produce, differs dramatically between species. Hence, a subset of highly conserved lung-specific genes coincides with spectacular phenotypic diversity. How has this diversity evolved? Do environmental ....Environmental control of genetic/phenotypic interactions in lung development: An evolutionary perspective. Vertebrate lungs all contain morphologically and functionally similar lung lining cells. However, the cellular arrangement (i.e. lung morphology) and the function of the surfactant these cells produce, differs dramatically between species. Hence, a subset of highly conserved lung-specific genes coincides with spectacular phenotypic diversity. How has this diversity evolved? Do environmental conditions, birth strategy or phylogenetic relationships determine lung phenotype? We will experimentally manipulate developing lungs and cells to demonstrate how environmental conditions (temperature, oxygen, lung-fluid regulation and neuro-hormonal input) promote evolutionary processes by altering gene expression, protein/lipid synthesis, cellular differentiation and hence lung morphology/function in animals with different birth strategies.Read moreRead less
Structural determination of respiratory membrane protein complexes by X-ray crystallography. Membrane proteins form only 0.3% of the available protein structures in the protein data bank (PDB), yet 30% of the proteins in the human genome and 50% of human drug targets are membrane proteins. We have managed to increase the success rate through rational screening and development of new crystallization screens, with downstream implications for basic and medical research. Results from this proposal w ....Structural determination of respiratory membrane protein complexes by X-ray crystallography. Membrane proteins form only 0.3% of the available protein structures in the protein data bank (PDB), yet 30% of the proteins in the human genome and 50% of human drug targets are membrane proteins. We have managed to increase the success rate through rational screening and development of new crystallization screens, with downstream implications for basic and medical research. Results from this proposal will receive international recognition and will encourage more research in this field, attracting international funding, and create new research opportunities. Read moreRead less
Statistical Methods for Discovering Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) contributing to human diseases and phenotypes. Identifying the causative genetic factors involved in quantitative phenotypes and diseases is a major goal of biology in the 21st century and beyond. A crucial step towards this goal is identifying and classifying the functional non-protein-coding Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) encoded in the human genome. This project will make major contributions to international efforts in this area by identi ....Statistical Methods for Discovering Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) contributing to human diseases and phenotypes. Identifying the causative genetic factors involved in quantitative phenotypes and diseases is a major goal of biology in the 21st century and beyond. A crucial step towards this goal is identifying and classifying the functional non-protein-coding Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) encoded in the human genome. This project will make major contributions to international efforts in this area by identifying RNA molecules that contribute to quantitative phenotypes including susceptibility to disease. As such, it will directly benefit fundamental science via the discovery and classification of new molecules. Indirectly, it will lead to breakthroughs in biology, and consequently to major medical and pharmaceutical advances in the diagnosis and treatment of genetic disease.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775587
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$532,000.00
Summary
Correlating Genomics and Proteomics for Systems Biology: integrating the '-omics'. Acquisition of the infrastructure requested will maintain and extend the expertise developed by researchers in NSW and will allow retention and attraction of leading researchers who can contribute to understanding how genes and proteins interact in the development of the organism - the central focus of systems biology. The enhancement of the facility will allow a better understanding of biomolecular interactions ....Correlating Genomics and Proteomics for Systems Biology: integrating the '-omics'. Acquisition of the infrastructure requested will maintain and extend the expertise developed by researchers in NSW and will allow retention and attraction of leading researchers who can contribute to understanding how genes and proteins interact in the development of the organism - the central focus of systems biology. The enhancement of the facility will allow a better understanding of biomolecular interactions in health and disease, providing both community and national benefits. The focus of this LIEF application is to provide infrastructure platforms for the study of the systems biology of organisms and additional capacity by the facility for the expected increased demand for this technology in this new area. Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0882382
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$245,000.00
Summary
Biophysical Characterisation Facility. The protein analysis facility will have substantial benefits for basic science and biotechnology. It will create capacity for South Australian researchers to study proteins at the biophysical level. The facility will support research projects within the designated national research priority areas of 'Frontier technologies for building and transforming Australian industries' and 'Promoting and maintaining good health
Molecular control of embryonic patterning: The function of Rhou gene in mediating response to WNT signalling. The scientific knowledge gained from this investigation of the early development of embryos will inform us of how the essential building blocks of the body are assembled, and provide insights into the genetic and developmental causes of birth defects. This will benefit the health professionals, the research community, the education sector and the general public, by underpinning the form ....Molecular control of embryonic patterning: The function of Rhou gene in mediating response to WNT signalling. The scientific knowledge gained from this investigation of the early development of embryos will inform us of how the essential building blocks of the body are assembled, and provide insights into the genetic and developmental causes of birth defects. This will benefit the health professionals, the research community, the education sector and the general public, by underpinning the formulation of new research hypotheses, enriching the curriculum and the provision of informed counselling. The embryological expertise developed for this project will enhance the nation's research capability through the sharing of skills and knowledge with a national network of academic and industrial research teams. Read moreRead less
The Genetic Basis of Differences Between the Sexes. Improved medical interventions against genetic disorders like cancer are made possible by advances in fundamental understanding of gene function and, especially, genetic mechanisms (like genomic imprinting) that are directly implicated in these disorders. Furthermore, an understanding of environmental effects within and across generations is vital in an age of global climate change. Recent theory and evidence suggest that research on sexually d ....The Genetic Basis of Differences Between the Sexes. Improved medical interventions against genetic disorders like cancer are made possible by advances in fundamental understanding of gene function and, especially, genetic mechanisms (like genomic imprinting) that are directly implicated in these disorders. Furthermore, an understanding of environmental effects within and across generations is vital in an age of global climate change. Recent theory and evidence suggest that research on sexually dimorphic traits may hold a key to a better understanding of these phenomena. The proposed research will strengthen Australia's position as leader in evolutionary genetics, enhance knowledge of native fauna, and improve our understanding of biological phenomena that affect human health. Read moreRead less