Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR1101002
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$21,000,000.00
Summary
Stem Cells Australia. Despite progress in stem cell research, scientists do not understand how stem cells “decide” what to become. Stem Cells Australia will draw upon strengths within Australia’s premier stem cell research universities and institutes. This collaboration between leading bioengineering, nanotechnology, stem cell and advanced molecular analysis experts, will fast-track efforts to deliver a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of stem cell regulation and differentiation, and ....Stem Cells Australia. Despite progress in stem cell research, scientists do not understand how stem cells “decide” what to become. Stem Cells Australia will draw upon strengths within Australia’s premier stem cell research universities and institutes. This collaboration between leading bioengineering, nanotechnology, stem cell and advanced molecular analysis experts, will fast-track efforts to deliver a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of stem cell regulation and differentiation, and the ability to control and influence this process. Stem Cells Australia will deliver new methods for stem cell propagation and manipulation, new translational technologies for therapeutic applications, and will prepare Australia’s future stem cell scientific leaders.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Training Centres - Grant ID: IC170100022
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,420,408.00
Summary
ARC Training Centre for Innovative BioEngineering. The ARC Training Centre for Musculoskeletal Biomedical Technologies will provide the next-generation of skilled graduates to overcome industry-focused challenges in musculoskeletal regeneration. The Centre expects to engineer a set of integrated technologies to personalise implants for the unique biological, physical and lifestyle characteristics of the recipient. Expected outcomes of the Centre include embedded bioelectronic sensors to assess a ....ARC Training Centre for Innovative BioEngineering. The ARC Training Centre for Musculoskeletal Biomedical Technologies will provide the next-generation of skilled graduates to overcome industry-focused challenges in musculoskeletal regeneration. The Centre expects to engineer a set of integrated technologies to personalise implants for the unique biological, physical and lifestyle characteristics of the recipient. Expected outcomes of the Centre include embedded bioelectronic sensors to assess and optimise the healing process. In addition, the Centre will produce data for use in deriving the next-generation of implants, giving rise to improved health outcomes, economic benefits, and a skilled workforce able to advance and perpetuate this important field.Read moreRead less
Kruppel-like factors and the methylome. This project aims to test the hypothesis that the KLF/SP family of transcription factors work in part via dynamic interactions with methylated cytosine nucleotides in DNA. This is fundamental to their function as pioneer factors in reprograming and their ability to co-ordinate differentiation and organogenesis. Conversely, dynamic changes in methylation status engage or disengage new regulatory elements in the genome via recruitment of KLF/SP family protei ....Kruppel-like factors and the methylome. This project aims to test the hypothesis that the KLF/SP family of transcription factors work in part via dynamic interactions with methylated cytosine nucleotides in DNA. This is fundamental to their function as pioneer factors in reprograming and their ability to co-ordinate differentiation and organogenesis. Conversely, dynamic changes in methylation status engage or disengage new regulatory elements in the genome via recruitment of KLF/SP family proteins as specific effectors. This project will address a new paradigm in genetics that is likely to underpin development.Read moreRead less
Controlling the adhesome to regulate cell fate on biomaterials. Mesenchymal stem cell-based tissue engineering practices are hampered worldwide by the lack of appreciation and understanding of the matrix-mediated cues that must be provided during adhesion and spreading to drive cells to definitive tissue end points. This project will address these knowledge deficiencies by combining high throughput array technologies, a set of tailorable self-assembling biomaterials and real-time biosensors to r ....Controlling the adhesome to regulate cell fate on biomaterials. Mesenchymal stem cell-based tissue engineering practices are hampered worldwide by the lack of appreciation and understanding of the matrix-mediated cues that must be provided during adhesion and spreading to drive cells to definitive tissue end points. This project will address these knowledge deficiencies by combining high throughput array technologies, a set of tailorable self-assembling biomaterials and real-time biosensors to rapidly, at high resolution, elucidate how mechanotransductive cues determine the fate choice of mesenchymal stem cells, and furthermore, how to manipulate them with smart biomaterial design to achieve desired outcomes for tissue engineering. Read moreRead less
Modelling TRPV4 Skeletal Disorders Using Human IPSCs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,171,187.00
Summary
Inherited skeletal disorders are a significant disease burden. Many gene mutations have been defined but we only have limited understanding about how they cause the disease. We will use patient skin cells and new in vitro re-programing technology to induce them to form cartilage cells to produce “disease in a dish” models of human skeletal disorders. These models will allow us to answer questions about how specific mutations cause disease and identify potential therapies
Developing the basis for an quality control platform for human pluripotent stem cells and their differentiated derivatives. Biophotonic techniques based on spectroscopy have the potential to provide low-cost, automatable measurements for the quality control of stem and differentiated cells produced for use in industry and regenerative medicine. This project is aimed at acquiring the fundamental scientific knowledge base required to bring this about.
Alpha-particles linked to recombinant antibodies targeting tumour cells have potential to effectively treat tumours while minimising normal tissue side effects. We will explore a novel alpha-particle therapy approach to solid tumours, by delivering 225Ac directly into tumour cells, or into cells that support the tumour (microenvironment). This approach will hopefully result in development of a new approach to treatment of cancers that are resistant to conventional therapies.
The Unique Nature Of Gamma Delta T Cell Recognition Resolved Through Interaction With H2-Q10
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$699,031.00
Summary
The liver is important for both digestion and immunity. Given these opposing functions, the liver must exert control points that prevent the immune system from recognising food products. We have now identified a new molecular target that controls the development of immune cells in the liver.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0347607
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$306,000.00
Summary
FishWorks - collaborative infrastructure for zebrafish research. Zebrafish have emerged as a powerful and cost-effective animal model for studying development, biology, and disease. FishWorks represents a large-scale co-operative initiative to develop state-of-the-art zebrafish housing, manipulation, genomics and screening infrastructure in Australia. This will both support and further enhance a core group of high quality researchers to engage in cutting-edge research in areas of acknowledged ex ....FishWorks - collaborative infrastructure for zebrafish research. Zebrafish have emerged as a powerful and cost-effective animal model for studying development, biology, and disease. FishWorks represents a large-scale co-operative initiative to develop state-of-the-art zebrafish housing, manipulation, genomics and screening infrastructure in Australia. This will both support and further enhance a core group of high quality researchers to engage in cutting-edge research in areas of acknowledged expertise as well as priority within their respective institutions. In addition, it will facilitate wide-ranging collaborative arrangements to further develop and exploit this research area.Read moreRead less
Biomimetic blood bag materials for prolonged platelet storage. Platelet storage is limited to five to seven days before there is a reduction in viable platelets. This results in a continual mismatch between supply and demand resulting in patients in remotes areas or those that have rare phenotypes missing out on platelets. It also results in the wastage of platelets because they expire before they can be used clinically. This project aims to extend the platelet shelf life beyond seven days by de ....Biomimetic blood bag materials for prolonged platelet storage. Platelet storage is limited to five to seven days before there is a reduction in viable platelets. This results in a continual mismatch between supply and demand resulting in patients in remotes areas or those that have rare phenotypes missing out on platelets. It also results in the wastage of platelets because they expire before they can be used clinically. This project aims to extend the platelet shelf life beyond seven days by developing biomimetic blood bag materials that reflect the natural molecular structures of blood vessels through the use of novel synthetic and biological materials. With the realisation of longer platelet storage times, this project aims to have significant impacts on the health and economic benefits of Australians.Read moreRead less