Analysis Of Viral And Cellular Gene Expression During Human Cytomegalovirus Latent Infection Of Hematopoietic Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$407,545.00
Summary
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpesvirus which infects a majority of the population. HCMV is a significant cause of serious, life-threatening disease in neonates and in people who are immunosuppressed. Transplant recipients such as bone marrow, kidney and heart transplant patients are particularly at risk of developing HCMV disease. Like other herpesviruses, after initial infection HCMV can establish a life-long latent infection. During latency, the virus remains dormant in the human body a ....Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpesvirus which infects a majority of the population. HCMV is a significant cause of serious, life-threatening disease in neonates and in people who are immunosuppressed. Transplant recipients such as bone marrow, kidney and heart transplant patients are particularly at risk of developing HCMV disease. Like other herpesviruses, after initial infection HCMV can establish a life-long latent infection. During latency, the virus remains dormant in the human body and no infectious virus is made. However, when conditions are right the virus can awaken (ie reactivate) from its latent state, producing new infectious virus and disease. It is in immunosuppressed individuals such as transplant patients that viral latency and reactivation are of most medical concern, yet viral latency remains very poorly understood. This project has three major components. Firstly, we aim to continue studies which are defining what viral genes are active (ie expressed) during latent infection. Identification of these genes and determination of how they function may have profound implications to our understanding of latency. Secondly, we will examine how human cells are affected when they become latently infected. A new and exciting technology called DNA microarray now makes it possible to examine the expression of many thousands of genes in a single experiment. For the first time, we will be able to determine how the cell changes during latency and reactivation. The study of viral and cellular gene expression during latency may contribute to the development of drugs which interfere with the viruses ability to become latent or reactivate. Thirdly, we have preliminary results which suggest that latent HCMV may actively avoid detection by the immune system. In this project we also aim to determine the mechanism by which the virus interferes with the expression of molecules which are an essential component of our immune system.Read moreRead less
Process studies for photocatalytic rejuvenation of spent industrial Bayer liquor. A new low-energy photocatalytic process for the continuous treatment of spent liquor from the Bayer process for alumina production has been demonstrated. This new technology can process up to 1500 litres of industrial caustic effluent per day with a reduction in carbon dioxide release. The photo-treated refinery wastewater also provides water savings of 30 per cent.
Deciphering Mechanisms Of Liver Allograft Tolerance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$520,964.00
Summary
The liver has paradoxical properties: it is the site of effective immune responses to pathogens, but under some circumstances, it is known to induce harmless immune responses. Liver transplants are more readily accepted than other organ grafts in the absence of immunosuppressive drugs but little is known about the mechanisms that prevent an effective response. This proposal aims to unravel these mechanisms. This project will have important implications for transplantation studies.
Computational modelling of hydraulic fracture. The project aims to develop new computational methods and software for simulating hydraulic fracture (commonly known as 'fracking'), which is now being used to extract natural gas from some Australian coal seams. This form of natural gas recovery has the potential to be a major economic driver, but the benefits are currently being tempered by widespread community concern over possible adverse impacts on the environment. The expected outcome is new m ....Computational modelling of hydraulic fracture. The project aims to develop new computational methods and software for simulating hydraulic fracture (commonly known as 'fracking'), which is now being used to extract natural gas from some Australian coal seams. This form of natural gas recovery has the potential to be a major economic driver, but the benefits are currently being tempered by widespread community concern over possible adverse impacts on the environment. The expected outcome is new methods, supported by scientific publications and software, which can be used to guide the natural gas industry and inform regulatory authorities of the risks inherent in hydraulic fracturing.Read moreRead less
Impact of rolling dynamic compaction. The project will lead to improved understanding and greater use of rolling dynamic compaction (RDC). RDC is a relatively new compaction technique that can be used to improve soft and derelict ground prior to the construction of roads, railways, subdivisions and structures. This project will also lead to greatly reduced ground improvement costs.
BioPolymer Fibres For Remodelling Mdx And Damaged Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$527,286.00
Summary
This project aims to generate new, smart polymers for use in re-building muscle that has degenerated due to disease and-or trauma damage. The merger of smart polymers with biologically based solutions and cells has great potential to improve outcomes of treatments of damaged muscle in diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100073
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$280,000.00
Summary
High-throughput sample preparation robotics to enable emerging large-scale plant genomics, metabolomics and proteomics research. Discovering and breeding plants that are best suited for new environmental conditions requires the analysis of many samples to discover the underlying genes, metabolites and proteins. The project will build two robotic instruments that will facilitate the rapid grinding and extraction of plant tissues to facilitate these discoveries across Australia.
Hybrid Construction using Seawater, Sea Sand and Fibre Reinforced Polymer. Conventional concrete is made using fresh water and river sand. This project aims to develop a novel hybrid construction system using seawater, sea sand and industrial waste, together with fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) and stainless steel (SS), for use in civil engineering infrastructure in marine environments. To date there has been little work to understand the degradation kinetics and mechanisms of FRP and SS in such ....Hybrid Construction using Seawater, Sea Sand and Fibre Reinforced Polymer. Conventional concrete is made using fresh water and river sand. This project aims to develop a novel hybrid construction system using seawater, sea sand and industrial waste, together with fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) and stainless steel (SS), for use in civil engineering infrastructure in marine environments. To date there has been little work to understand the degradation kinetics and mechanisms of FRP and SS in such complicated corrosive environments. The project plans to provide a design methodology to ensure confidence in the safety of critical infrastructure such as bridges, highways, dams, airports, offshore piles and artificial islands. The proposed system would save fresh water and reduce damage to river ecosystems, carbon dioxide emissions and construction costs.Read moreRead less
Establishing a next generation framework to determine the influence of intelligent water metering on householder attitudes and behaviours. This project will test competing theories on how householders respond to interactive water consumption data from smart meters. The outcome is a novel framework for intelligent water management; underpinned by innovative research into causal mechanisms linking data communication to knowledge, and the impact of knowledge on attitudes and behaviours.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140101143
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,220.00
Summary
An electrophysiological insight into the role of chloroplasts in stomatal drought signalling. Drought implies a range of stresses with which plants have to cope. Drought is not only a domestic issue for Australian people who live in this dry continent but also significantly affects global food supply and drives climate change. Stomata guard cells exert major controls on global water and carbon cycles. Although the total stomatal pore area may be five per cent of a leaf surface, transpirational w ....An electrophysiological insight into the role of chloroplasts in stomatal drought signalling. Drought implies a range of stresses with which plants have to cope. Drought is not only a domestic issue for Australian people who live in this dry continent but also significantly affects global food supply and drives climate change. Stomata guard cells exert major controls on global water and carbon cycles. Although the total stomatal pore area may be five per cent of a leaf surface, transpirational water loss through the stomata contributes to 70 per cent of total agricultural water usage. As an environmental signal, drought regulates stomatal movements. This project seeks to understand the mechanisms of drought induced molecular retrograde signals and their regulation over stomata. The outcomes will aid the development of strategies for reducing water loss from crops.Read moreRead less