A shared genetic basis for development of the nervous system and glands. Fruit flies possess strikingly similar versions of the genes that promote normal human development. The list of systems with genetic parallels between humans and fruit flies includes the respiratory and circulatory systems; cardiovascular development and disease; sleep; learning and memory; brain development and disease; taste, sight, smell and hearing. This project could add at least some human glands, the mucous-secreting ....A shared genetic basis for development of the nervous system and glands. Fruit flies possess strikingly similar versions of the genes that promote normal human development. The list of systems with genetic parallels between humans and fruit flies includes the respiratory and circulatory systems; cardiovascular development and disease; sleep; learning and memory; brain development and disease; taste, sight, smell and hearing. This project could add at least some human glands, the mucous-secreting goblet cells, to this list, providing a potentially useful model for studying human diseases associated with gland dysfunction. Read moreRead less
Structure and function of heterodimeric amino acid transporters. Recently a new family of amino acid transporters has been identified, the members of which are involved in the delivery of amino acids between cells and tissues. All members display a rather unusual structure in that they require two subunits to be functional. The main aim of this study is to investigate the interaction between large and small subunits. The study will give insight how membrane proteins form complexes in the membran ....Structure and function of heterodimeric amino acid transporters. Recently a new family of amino acid transporters has been identified, the members of which are involved in the delivery of amino acids between cells and tissues. All members display a rather unusual structure in that they require two subunits to be functional. The main aim of this study is to investigate the interaction between large and small subunits. The study will give insight how membrane proteins form complexes in the membrane and how these interactions affect the function of a complex membrane protein.Read moreRead less
Cystine flux and hydrogen peroxide breakdown in reuteri group lactobacilli. We have discovered, and aim to fully dissect a novel function of reuteri group lactobacilli. These microbes inhabit the surfaces of the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts of humans and are also used as probiotics, and in the dairy industry. This function mediates the production and breakdown of large amounts of hydrogen peroxide, cystine and thiols. These are highly bioactive and affect human cells and other bacter ....Cystine flux and hydrogen peroxide breakdown in reuteri group lactobacilli. We have discovered, and aim to fully dissect a novel function of reuteri group lactobacilli. These microbes inhabit the surfaces of the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts of humans and are also used as probiotics, and in the dairy industry. This function mediates the production and breakdown of large amounts of hydrogen peroxide, cystine and thiols. These are highly bioactive and affect human cells and other bacteria at the surfaces of the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts, and thiols are also flavourants in dairy products. Our research will inform the rational development of probiotics, the management and treatment of unpleasant conditions such as Crohn's disease and bacterial vaginosis, and innovation in dairy fermentations.Read moreRead less
Three-dimensional structures, substrate specificities and catalytic mechanisms of polysaccharide synthases. Plant wall polysaccharides are extensively used for food and fibre, and are important dietary components in human nutrition. A precise knowledge of mechanisms used by plants to synthesize these polysaccharides is unavailable, but would reveal potential routes to manipulate their biosynthesis in important crop species. For example, the levels or structures of polysaccharides might be modif ....Three-dimensional structures, substrate specificities and catalytic mechanisms of polysaccharide synthases. Plant wall polysaccharides are extensively used for food and fibre, and are important dietary components in human nutrition. A precise knowledge of mechanisms used by plants to synthesize these polysaccharides is unavailable, but would reveal potential routes to manipulate their biosynthesis in important crop species. For example, the levels or structures of polysaccharides might be modified to improve their efficacy as anti-cancer agents in human diets, to enhance digestibility of animal stock feeds, or to synthesise pharmologically valuable compounds. Thus, economic, social and environmental benefits will flow to both producers and consumers. Read moreRead less
The role of retinoic acid signalling in the development of the oesophageal epithelium. Oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) is a disease with increasing incidence. The majority of patients with OAC are diagnosed when the cancer is at a late stage and therefore treatment options are limited, meaning the disease is almost invariably fatal. OAC arises from the precancerous condition, Barrett's oesophagus, which occurs as a consequence of chronic reflux, although the key processes driving its developmen ....The role of retinoic acid signalling in the development of the oesophageal epithelium. Oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) is a disease with increasing incidence. The majority of patients with OAC are diagnosed when the cancer is at a late stage and therefore treatment options are limited, meaning the disease is almost invariably fatal. OAC arises from the precancerous condition, Barrett's oesophagus, which occurs as a consequence of chronic reflux, although the key processes driving its development are unknown. This project aims to better understand the critical first step in the progression to cancer and thus expand the scope for the development of therapies, particularly those aimed at early intervention, and tools that predict progression.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100217
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,000.00
Summary
In-Vivo Multispectral and X-ray Micro-CT Imaging: Founding a Western Australian small animal imaging core facility. The Western Australian Small Animal Imaging facility will provide wide access for the West Australian research community to a multimodality functional and dynamic core bioimaging facility to characterise in-vivo animal models, including extensive postgraduate research training. Wide-ranging research outcomes of national and community benefit include imaging tumour development, bone ....In-Vivo Multispectral and X-ray Micro-CT Imaging: Founding a Western Australian small animal imaging core facility. The Western Australian Small Animal Imaging facility will provide wide access for the West Australian research community to a multimodality functional and dynamic core bioimaging facility to characterise in-vivo animal models, including extensive postgraduate research training. Wide-ranging research outcomes of national and community benefit include imaging tumour development, bone metabolism (osteoporosis), neural function (Alzheimer's disease) and regeneration, and infection mechanisms in live animals, which will result in improvements in human health. Imaging and monitoring coral growth, fish age, and soil structure will improve the economics and sustainability of Australia's marine ecosystems and agricultural food production.Read moreRead less