Characterisation Of SRY Macromolecular Complexes To Provide An Enhanced Understanding Of Human Genetic Sex Reversal And Embryonic Sex Determination
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$237,360.00
Summary
SRY is the most important gene in the determination of human sex. Mutations in the SRY gene that disrupt its ability to interact with other cellular proteins that regulate its function have shown to result in genetic sex reversal. This project will provide a detailed structural profile of the interfaces that are critical for sex determination, provide a molecular basis for XY-genetic sex reversal, and an enhanced understanding of foetal development.
Microtubule structure in nervous system repair. This Project aims to investigate the role of structural and functional cellular components known as microtubules in nervous system regeneration. This Project aims to use innovative approaches in confocal and electron microscopy, genetics, and cell biology, with the expectation of generating new knowledge into nervous system repair. Expected outcomes of this Project include a comprehensive description of how microtubules are rearranged following ner ....Microtubule structure in nervous system repair. This Project aims to investigate the role of structural and functional cellular components known as microtubules in nervous system regeneration. This Project aims to use innovative approaches in confocal and electron microscopy, genetics, and cell biology, with the expectation of generating new knowledge into nervous system repair. Expected outcomes of this Project include a comprehensive description of how microtubules are rearranged following nervous system injury and the importance of microtubule modifying proteins in promoting regeneration. This should provide significant benefits in our understanding of the cellular mechanisms behind nervous system repair, and offer new approaches for promoting regeneration after injury.Read moreRead less
Mechanisms Regulating Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Permeabilisation During Programmed Cell Death
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$306,562.00
Summary
Apoptosis is a form of cell suicide that is vital in human development and health by removing damaged or unwanted cells in a regulated manner. Disturbances in this pathway are known to be the cause of cancers and other diseases. This research will investigate how the pivotal step in cell death, termed mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilisation (MOMP) is regulated.
Imaging the generation and recall of protective antiviral immune responses in vivo. Our understanding of the in vivo dynamics of cellular immune responses to infectious diseases is poor. This project will utilise advanced intravital imaging combined with novel tools to dissect the cellular events involved in the generation and recall of T cell responses to localised virus infection, combined with a detailed functional analysis of the lymphoid organ stroma. Such fundamental information will contr ....Imaging the generation and recall of protective antiviral immune responses in vivo. Our understanding of the in vivo dynamics of cellular immune responses to infectious diseases is poor. This project will utilise advanced intravital imaging combined with novel tools to dissect the cellular events involved in the generation and recall of T cell responses to localised virus infection, combined with a detailed functional analysis of the lymphoid organ stroma. Such fundamental information will contribute to the development of new generation vaccines and therapies to protect against tissue-specific infectious diseases, cancers and autoimmune diseases.Read moreRead less
Cellular And Molecular Characterization Of Erythroid Enucleation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$671,950.00
Summary
A major challenge for transfusion medicine is the constant difficulties in obtaining enough supply of specific red blood cell (RBC) subtypes. In this proposal, we will identify the key steps of enucleation (extrusion of nucleus), a rate limiting process for the in vitro production of RBCs. A better understanding of this process will lead to improved strategies for the efficient and rapid production of self-generated RBCs for individual patient transfusion.
The Role Of A New Class Of Chromatin Organising Hub
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,145,450.00
Summary
Within the cell nucleus, specific proteins weave DNA into structured loops that are vital for normal cell function. By studying the molecules involved, we have uncovered a ‘dock’ that controls this DNA architecture. We will define the components and function of this ‘dock’, and the resulting rapid cell death that occurs if it is disrupted. We will explore this cell death pathway thoroughly because we think it may help us to develop new cancer therapies.
Developing Novel Molecules That Target Hormone Receptors As An Alternative Cancer Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,867.00
Summary
A promising class of cancer drugs target heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and prevent Hsp90 from maintaining its ~100 proteins involved in cell growth. However, all current Hsp90 chemotherapeutics non-selectively target proteins maintained by Hsp90, and induce a cell rescue mechanism involving Hsp70. We describe the development of a novel molecule that will selectively control cell growth and prevent cell rescue via a unique Hsp90 regulated mechanism.
Understanding The Ancestry Of De Novo Blood Formation In The Early Embryo
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$484,666.00
Summary
Current laboratory methods rely on a hit-or-miss approach for the production of such cells, making the prospect of producing patient-specific cells an inefficient/financially prohibitive process. This project aims to generate new knowledge into when and how fate of early blood cells in selected in nature. With this information we will be able to devise effective blood progenitor cell production strategies in the laboratory.
Caspase 8 Apoptotic Signalling Induced By The Inflammasome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,126.00
Summary
The death of cells of our body can be an active and purposeful process. Programmed death occurs in response to infection or as a defence against cancerous changes. If a virally infected cell can die prior to replication of the virus, this will control the infection. We have investigated cell death in response to DNA found in the cytoplasm of cells, which can be an indication of infection. The novel cell death pathway we are characterising is relevant to defence against infection and tumours.