How is molecular information passed between generations? This project aims to determine the mechanisms responsible for the inheritance of acquired traits. Sometimes the environment can have effects on the phenotype of not only the exposed individual, but also their children and grandchildren. While it is clear that this can occur, what is not clear is the mechanism by which this happens and the frequency at which it happens. This project will combine use of the model organism Caenorhabditis eleg ....How is molecular information passed between generations? This project aims to determine the mechanisms responsible for the inheritance of acquired traits. Sometimes the environment can have effects on the phenotype of not only the exposed individual, but also their children and grandchildren. While it is clear that this can occur, what is not clear is the mechanism by which this happens and the frequency at which it happens. This project will combine use of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans with biochemistry and structural biology to determine what the molecular mechanism is by which this "transgenerational epigenetic inheritance" occurs.Read moreRead less
Environmental metagenomics, metaproteomics and novel bioactives from microbial communities in Antarctic lakes. This program will derive an integrated understanding of microbial ecology which is essential for determining ways of preserving the health of the World's ecosystems. Through this, Australia will remain a world leader in Antarctic biology, strengthening Australia's reputation in technologically innovative scientific programs of global significance, training local scientists in cutting ed ....Environmental metagenomics, metaproteomics and novel bioactives from microbial communities in Antarctic lakes. This program will derive an integrated understanding of microbial ecology which is essential for determining ways of preserving the health of the World's ecosystems. Through this, Australia will remain a world leader in Antarctic biology, strengthening Australia's reputation in technologically innovative scientific programs of global significance, training local scientists in cutting edge genomic biology and fostering the interests of the international community in sciences ranging from microbial ecology to bioprospecting. Novel biodegradable enzymes will be developed to replace harsh chemicals providing environmentally friendly, cheaper and more effective agents for use in medical, biotechnological, industrial and biodefense applications.Read moreRead less
How does the chromatin remodeller CHD4 regulate gene expression? The mechanisms that determine how genes are switched on and off in different tissues and at different times are in many ways still mysterious. It is well established that gene expression patterns in complex organisms are determined in part by the manner in which DNA is physically packaged. Our aim is to define new aspects of these mechanisms that revolve around molecular motors that regulate DNA packaging. This foundational knowled ....How does the chromatin remodeller CHD4 regulate gene expression? The mechanisms that determine how genes are switched on and off in different tissues and at different times are in many ways still mysterious. It is well established that gene expression patterns in complex organisms are determined in part by the manner in which DNA is physically packaged. Our aim is to define new aspects of these mechanisms that revolve around molecular motors that regulate DNA packaging. This foundational knowledge will deepen our understanding of gene regulation in all complex organisms and will inform future efforts to rationally modulate gene expression patterns in agriculture, research and other important areas.Read moreRead less
Links between DNA replication and chromosome end maintenance. This project aims to increase knowledge of the way in which cells maintain their genomes, including the ends of their chromosomes, to enable their own survival. The ends of chromosomes (telomeres) are essential for survival and proliferation of the cells of most organisms. This project aims to determine the molecular details of a recently discovered link between telomere maintenance and the way cells maintain the integrity of their ge ....Links between DNA replication and chromosome end maintenance. This project aims to increase knowledge of the way in which cells maintain their genomes, including the ends of their chromosomes, to enable their own survival. The ends of chromosomes (telomeres) are essential for survival and proliferation of the cells of most organisms. This project aims to determine the molecular details of a recently discovered link between telomere maintenance and the way cells maintain the integrity of their genome. This is likely to lead to increased understanding of the fundamental biological process of genome maintenance, representing a significant scientific advance. The project expects to have far-reaching implications for biotechnology applications that require the survival of cells.Read moreRead less
Heme oxygenase integrates cellular responses to oxygen stress. A deficiency in the protein heme oxygenase-1 causes severe biological consequences including retarded development, chronic inflammation and increased susceptibility to age-associated diseases. By illuminating how heme oxygenase-1 improves cell function the project will eventually assist in preventing or slowing the serious age-associated disorders.