Integrating a physical and functional genetic map of Prunus dulcis. Genome wide physical mapping is the centrepiece of current genomics research in virtually all plant and animal species. The proposal seeks to champion the development of Prunus dulcis (Rosaceae) as a model perennial species towards parity with other plant model systems for gene discovery and validation. The Rosaceae represents a rich repository of genes of relevance to perenniality, adaptation, sustainable agriculture, health a ....Integrating a physical and functional genetic map of Prunus dulcis. Genome wide physical mapping is the centrepiece of current genomics research in virtually all plant and animal species. The proposal seeks to champion the development of Prunus dulcis (Rosaceae) as a model perennial species towards parity with other plant model systems for gene discovery and validation. The Rosaceae represents a rich repository of genes of relevance to perenniality, adaptation, sustainable agriculture, health and nutrition and the bioindustries. Ultimately, comparative genomics across the family will advance molecular eco-genetics via dissection of traits determining adaptive response. Access to user-friendly molecular markers will also bring greater precision to breeding programmes. Read moreRead less
MICROFABRICATED DEVICES: A SIGNIFICANT ADVANCE FOR THE DETECTION AND MOLECULAR ANALYSES OF CIRCULATING CANCER CELLS?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,107.00
Summary
Using advanced microfabrication concepts, this project aims to develop a platform technology able to capture tumour cells circulating in the blood of cancer patients. Although present only in extremely small numbers, these cells provide invaluable insights into the pathophysiology of the disease and consequently provide vital diagnostic and prognostic information. Molecular analyses of these cancer cells could ultimately enable the design of improved and personalized cancer treatment.
Pushing AR Toward Better Outcomes In Breast And Prostate Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$998,754.00
Summary
Breast and prostate cancers kill >6000 Australians each year. These cancers are strikingly similar, both driven by hormone receptors that have ‘gone bad’. Current therapies aim to eradicate the receptors. While often effective, therapeutic resistance is common and results in fatal disease. We aim to develop new, less toxic treatments that switch receptor behaviour from good to bad, without destroying them. This should improve quality of life, while preventing drug resistance and loss of lives ....Breast and prostate cancers kill >6000 Australians each year. These cancers are strikingly similar, both driven by hormone receptors that have ‘gone bad’. Current therapies aim to eradicate the receptors. While often effective, therapeutic resistance is common and results in fatal disease. We aim to develop new, less toxic treatments that switch receptor behaviour from good to bad, without destroying them. This should improve quality of life, while preventing drug resistance and loss of lives.Read moreRead less
The role of epigenetic modifications in bovid adaptation to environmental change. This project will explore the role of epigenetic change, where gene expression is regulated without changing the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence, in how animals adapt to rapid climate change. This project will trace epigenetic markers in ancient bison and cows through 30,000 years of climate change, and identify key adaptive genes for the cattle industry.
Evolution and function of mammalian sex chromosomes. Research on iconic Australian mammals has profoundly reshaped our understanding of reproductive biology and sex chromosome evolution. In this project we combine unique expertise, international collaboration and novel genetic information about Australia's unique egg-laying mammals (echidna and platypus) to investigate major aspects of reproduction. This work will address fundamental aspects of sex chromosome biology and advance our understandin ....Evolution and function of mammalian sex chromosomes. Research on iconic Australian mammals has profoundly reshaped our understanding of reproductive biology and sex chromosome evolution. In this project we combine unique expertise, international collaboration and novel genetic information about Australia's unique egg-laying mammals (echidna and platypus) to investigate major aspects of reproduction. This work will address fundamental aspects of sex chromosome biology and advance our understanding of mammalian reproduction. The knowledge gained will have application in captive breeding and conservation of these extraordinary Australian mammals. The project also provides opportunity to train research students in cutting edge molecular biology and informatics.Read moreRead less
Development of drought tolerant, high protein legume for arid Australia. The aim of this research is to demonstrate the molecular basis of a non-proteinogenic amino acid toxin accumulation by using genomics and genome editing to produce a non-transgenic, protein rich legume. The significance of the outcomes will be a fundamental understanding of how non-proteinogenic amino acids are metabolised in plants and an inexpensive, high-protein feed for the pork and chicken industries thereby reducing p ....Development of drought tolerant, high protein legume for arid Australia. The aim of this research is to demonstrate the molecular basis of a non-proteinogenic amino acid toxin accumulation by using genomics and genome editing to produce a non-transgenic, protein rich legume. The significance of the outcomes will be a fundamental understanding of how non-proteinogenic amino acids are metabolised in plants and an inexpensive, high-protein feed for the pork and chicken industries thereby reducing production costs and increasing profitability. The outcomes from the research are fundamental knowledge of non-proteinogenic amino acid metabolism and turnkey approach to identify, engineer, test and produce value added crops. The benefits of the research are a multi-purpose crop for Australian crop and animal producers.Read moreRead less
ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology. The CoE in Convergent Bio-Nano Science &Technology comprises a multi-disciplinary team focused on research aiming to understand and control the interface of materials with biological systems. The Centre will exploit knowledge of the bio-nano interface to design materials that transport and deliver vaccines, drugs and gene therapy agents, and to design new diagnostic agents and devices. Nanomedicines are on the cusp of revol ....ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology. The CoE in Convergent Bio-Nano Science &Technology comprises a multi-disciplinary team focused on research aiming to understand and control the interface of materials with biological systems. The Centre will exploit knowledge of the bio-nano interface to design materials that transport and deliver vaccines, drugs and gene therapy agents, and to design new diagnostic agents and devices. Nanomedicines are on the cusp of revolutionizing diagnosis and therapy in many diseases. The CoE will be the focus of bio-nano research activity in Australia, uniting universities, research agencies, institutes and companies. The expected outcomes are better diagnostic and therapeutic tools designed via an enhanced understanding of the bio-nano-interface.Read moreRead less
Nanoscale silicon field-effect transistor diagnostic technology. This project aims to overcome barriers to the implementation of silicon field-effect transistor biosensors. It will investigate the biosensors’ physical and structural properties. This knowledge, combined with technological and conceptual advances, could foster the development of an advanced and translational point-of-care diagnostic technology to rapidly and sensitively detect malignant tissues. Such technology would have commerci ....Nanoscale silicon field-effect transistor diagnostic technology. This project aims to overcome barriers to the implementation of silicon field-effect transistor biosensors. It will investigate the biosensors’ physical and structural properties. This knowledge, combined with technological and conceptual advances, could foster the development of an advanced and translational point-of-care diagnostic technology to rapidly and sensitively detect malignant tissues. Such technology would have commercial potential and important societal benefits.Read moreRead less
Modelling applications of nanomaterials in biology and medicine. This proposal will address fundamental issues related to nanomaterials and their applications in biology and medicine. Accurate mathematical models will be formulated, leading to new practical techniques in nanobiotechnology, safe and effective methods to diagnose and cure diseases including cancer via targeted drug and gene delivery, and detection methods for biological hazards, such as those arising from biological terrorism. The ....Modelling applications of nanomaterials in biology and medicine. This proposal will address fundamental issues related to nanomaterials and their applications in biology and medicine. Accurate mathematical models will be formulated, leading to new practical techniques in nanobiotechnology, safe and effective methods to diagnose and cure diseases including cancer via targeted drug and gene delivery, and detection methods for biological hazards, such as those arising from biological terrorism. The research facility proposed involves significant training of applied mathematicians at honours, PhD and postdoctoral levels and multidisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that Australia maintains and develops an expertise in nanobiotechnology well into the future.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0453832
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,910.00
Summary
New directions in biomolecular mass spectrometry. The combined UoW/ANU mass spectrometry facility supports a range of research projects in high priority areas including proteomics, mechanisms of aging, anticancer drugs and pathogenicity. The facility has several key deficiencies: 1) the ability to study very high molecular weight biomolecular complexes, 2) the ability to study ion-molecule interactions that have implications in mechanisms of chemistry in nature, and 3) researchers at ANU lack es ....New directions in biomolecular mass spectrometry. The combined UoW/ANU mass spectrometry facility supports a range of research projects in high priority areas including proteomics, mechanisms of aging, anticancer drugs and pathogenicity. The facility has several key deficiencies: 1) the ability to study very high molecular weight biomolecular complexes, 2) the ability to study ion-molecule interactions that have implications in mechanisms of chemistry in nature, and 3) researchers at ANU lack essential walk-up access to high sensitivity protein sequence analysis (MS/MS). The placement of resources that address these deficiencies in one geographical region and collaboration between these institutions will produce a research interaction unique in Australia.Read moreRead less