Measurement and imaging of pathogenic and diagnostic iron oxide nanoparticles using proton magnetic resonance. This project is likely to result in new and improved technologies to aid in the management and diagnosis of a range of diseases including iron metabolism disorders such as thalassaemia and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Other aspects of the research may lead to technologies for the early detection of some cancers. The technologies will enhance Australia's intern ....Measurement and imaging of pathogenic and diagnostic iron oxide nanoparticles using proton magnetic resonance. This project is likely to result in new and improved technologies to aid in the management and diagnosis of a range of diseases including iron metabolism disorders such as thalassaemia and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Other aspects of the research may lead to technologies for the early detection of some cancers. The technologies will enhance Australia's international standing in the field of advanced medical imaging and have the potential to be commercialised within the Australian biotechnology sector. During the project, research students will receive high quality multidisciplinary training ensuring the supply of personnel with high-level technical expertise into the future.Read moreRead less
Analysing the protective role of platelets during malaria infection. Platelets protect the host during malarial infection. This project aims to study how platelets kill the malaria parasite by investigating the role of host molecules and their potential as novel antimalarial agents. The role of platelets in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria syndrome will also be investigated.
Characterization of erythroid differentiation related factor (EDRF): a novel a-globin binding protein. Hemoglobin, a four-subunit protein comprising two alpha and two beta polypeptide chains, is the essential oxygen transporter found in all mammals. Problems with the synthesis of hemoglobin can give rise to a range of common and serious human disorders, including thalassaemia and anemia. We have discovered a protein, EDRF, that appears to interact directly with alpha-globin (but not beta-globin) ....Characterization of erythroid differentiation related factor (EDRF): a novel a-globin binding protein. Hemoglobin, a four-subunit protein comprising two alpha and two beta polypeptide chains, is the essential oxygen transporter found in all mammals. Problems with the synthesis of hemoglobin can give rise to a range of common and serious human disorders, including thalassaemia and anemia. We have discovered a protein, EDRF, that appears to interact directly with alpha-globin (but not beta-globin) and to play a role in the regulation of hemoglobin production. We now seek to understand the nature of this interaction at a molecular level and mechanistic level.Read moreRead less
Targeting DNA with Dynamic Combinatorial Chemistry. The interaction of molecules with DNA, the molecule that controls genetic information, is fundamental to drug design, diagnosis of disease and the environment. Chemists usually synthesise these molecules in the laboratory. We will use an innovative new approach to producing molecules that interact with DNA, that as fast and efficient and mirrors the processes used by Nature to make natural products. This research may lead to the design of new ....Targeting DNA with Dynamic Combinatorial Chemistry. The interaction of molecules with DNA, the molecule that controls genetic information, is fundamental to drug design, diagnosis of disease and the environment. Chemists usually synthesise these molecules in the laboratory. We will use an innovative new approach to producing molecules that interact with DNA, that as fast and efficient and mirrors the processes used by Nature to make natural products. This research may lead to the design of new therapeutics, diagnostics and applications that will benefit the Australian community, and will provide excellent training of researchers in skills required for employment in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical fields.Read moreRead less
Transcriptional regulation of erythropoiesis. The major expected outcome from this proposal will be development of a pipeline for the study of how transcription factors work at a genome level. There will be national benefit in the areas of Frontier Technologies, and Promoting and Maintaining Good Health. There will be specific outcomes with respect to development of tests for human blood diseases, future design of drugs to target the aberrant activities of transcription factors in genetic and de ....Transcriptional regulation of erythropoiesis. The major expected outcome from this proposal will be development of a pipeline for the study of how transcription factors work at a genome level. There will be national benefit in the areas of Frontier Technologies, and Promoting and Maintaining Good Health. There will be specific outcomes with respect to development of tests for human blood diseases, future design of drugs to target the aberrant activities of transcription factors in genetic and degenerative diseases. Also, a strong bridge will be built upon the previous collaborations of the research teams in Brisbane and Pennsylvania, which will facilitate advanced teaching and training of Australian PhD and post-doctoral scientists.Read moreRead less
Development of Model Systems to Investigate Blood Hydrodynamic Parameters Affecting Blood Cell Function: An Interdisciplinary Approach. National benefit will come through this research contributing to a better understanding of blood flow biology and pathology, both of which are of particular relevance to the aging Australian population. This benefit is well aligned with the 2008 National research priority 2: Promoting and Maintaining Good Health; Priority Goal 3. Preventative Health. The synthes ....Development of Model Systems to Investigate Blood Hydrodynamic Parameters Affecting Blood Cell Function: An Interdisciplinary Approach. National benefit will come through this research contributing to a better understanding of blood flow biology and pathology, both of which are of particular relevance to the aging Australian population. This benefit is well aligned with the 2008 National research priority 2: Promoting and Maintaining Good Health; Priority Goal 3. Preventative Health. The synthesis of both extensive expertise in platelet/cardiovascular research and bioengineering/rheology should provide a substantial platform from which fundamental new discoveries in this niche area can be made. The development of novel platelet analysis tools arising from this work may also ultimately lead to new intellectual property and attract industry based funding.Read moreRead less
Defining how molecular switches program cell identity during development. Aims: This project aims to investigate how molecular switches known as transcription factors, work together to turn genes on or off to program cell identity during development.
Significance: This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of genetics and developmental biology using collaborative, cutting edge technologies.
Outcomes: Expected outcomes of this project include the identification of new genes impor ....Defining how molecular switches program cell identity during development. Aims: This project aims to investigate how molecular switches known as transcription factors, work together to turn genes on or off to program cell identity during development.
Significance: This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of genetics and developmental biology using collaborative, cutting edge technologies.
Outcomes: Expected outcomes of this project include the identification of new genes important for programming the identity of cells that comprise our blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and circulating blood cells.
Benefits: Data generated will underpin the development of approaches to program/reprogram stem cells to produce mature cells for transplantation or tissue engineering purposes ex vivo.Read moreRead less
Role of the PU.1 transcription factor in regulating lymphoid development. Haemopoiesis is a tightly regulated process and provides an important model for our understanding and application of stem cell biology. Perturbation of early haemopoiesis results in a number of important disorders including leukaemia, anaemia and immunodeficiency. The application of stem cells to many disease conditions is currently being pursued, however, in order to develop therapeutic interventions knowledge of normal c ....Role of the PU.1 transcription factor in regulating lymphoid development. Haemopoiesis is a tightly regulated process and provides an important model for our understanding and application of stem cell biology. Perturbation of early haemopoiesis results in a number of important disorders including leukaemia, anaemia and immunodeficiency. The application of stem cells to many disease conditions is currently being pursued, however, in order to develop therapeutic interventions knowledge of normal cellular differentiation is crucial. The studies outlined here aim to contribute to the understanding of the these processes and hence help to provide the framework for future studies aimed at more directly altering cell fate decision for clinical applications. Read moreRead less
Examination of the Calcium Signalling Dynamics Linked to Integrin Adhesion Utilising a Novel Micro-imaging System. This study aims at increasing our understanding of the fundamental cell processes that allow cells to adhere to surfaces. The proposed study will lead to a greater understanding of the calcium signalling mechanisms that are fundamental to diverse biological phenomena such as, tissue regeneration and repair, blood clotting, cancer metastasis, and neuronal cell function. From a preven ....Examination of the Calcium Signalling Dynamics Linked to Integrin Adhesion Utilising a Novel Micro-imaging System. This study aims at increasing our understanding of the fundamental cell processes that allow cells to adhere to surfaces. The proposed study will lead to a greater understanding of the calcium signalling mechanisms that are fundamental to diverse biological phenomena such as, tissue regeneration and repair, blood clotting, cancer metastasis, and neuronal cell function. From a preventative health perspective, the investigation of platelet calcium signalling will greatly accelerate the development of new pharmaceuticals to tackle acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, heart attack and artherosclerosis. Read moreRead less
Pathogen sensing in systemic inflammatory disease. The initiation, amplification and quenching of an immune response is a carefully orchestrated process that eliminates invading pathogens while minimising collateral damage to host tissues. This research focuses on proteins that restrict immune responses to prevent inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. This work will also explore the role of a potassium channel that protects the host from or ....Pathogen sensing in systemic inflammatory disease. The initiation, amplification and quenching of an immune response is a carefully orchestrated process that eliminates invading pathogens while minimising collateral damage to host tissues. This research focuses on proteins that restrict immune responses to prevent inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. This work will also explore the role of a potassium channel that protects the host from organ failure during an infection, by coupling the energy requirements of mounting an immune response, and organ function. This may have important implications for the management of sepsis, a systemic immune response associated with infection and the leading cause of death in critically ill patients.Read moreRead less