Evolution of sound localisation in vertebrates: head size, sound frequency and neural phase-locking. Hearing is our most important sense for interpersonal communication, yet we have a fragmentary understanding of the basic mechanisms involved in normal hearing. This project addresses the question of how sound location is represented in the brain through the processing of minute time difference with which sounds reach the two ears. The outcome will ultimately enable us to infer how the human brai ....Evolution of sound localisation in vertebrates: head size, sound frequency and neural phase-locking. Hearing is our most important sense for interpersonal communication, yet we have a fragmentary understanding of the basic mechanisms involved in normal hearing. This project addresses the question of how sound location is represented in the brain through the processing of minute time difference with which sounds reach the two ears. The outcome will ultimately enable us to infer how the human brain localises sound, with practical applications for improved virtual auditory realities and hearing aids.Read moreRead less
Stuctural analysis of RNA polymerase elongation complexes. RNA polymerase (RNAP) is an essential enzyme in all living cells. Its role is to convert the genetic information stored in genes into a message that can be converted into protein. Many additional factors are required to ensure that this enzyme functions correctly in the cell. The aim of this project is to obtain structural information on a bacterial RNAP complexed with an essential transcription factor called NusA. Using this information ....Stuctural analysis of RNA polymerase elongation complexes. RNA polymerase (RNAP) is an essential enzyme in all living cells. Its role is to convert the genetic information stored in genes into a message that can be converted into protein. Many additional factors are required to ensure that this enzyme functions correctly in the cell. The aim of this project is to obtain structural information on a bacterial RNAP complexed with an essential transcription factor called NusA. Using this information, plus data already obtained on the structure of this enzyme complexed with another essential factor called sigma, we will design small molecules to inhibit the interaction of these essential factors with polymerase. These molecules will serve as leads for the development of new antibiotics.Read moreRead less
Plasmid maintenance and interactions with the host cell and its genome. Plasmids are extrachromosomal genetic elements that play a central role in the evolution of bacteria. They are the most dynamic component of the bacterial genome, augmenting the host chromosome by conferring a range of significant phenotypes that facilitate environmental adaptation. This project aims to elucidate fundamental aspects of the relationship between plasmids and their bacterial hosts. Significant outcomes include ....Plasmid maintenance and interactions with the host cell and its genome. Plasmids are extrachromosomal genetic elements that play a central role in the evolution of bacteria. They are the most dynamic component of the bacterial genome, augmenting the host chromosome by conferring a range of significant phenotypes that facilitate environmental adaptation. This project aims to elucidate fundamental aspects of the relationship between plasmids and their bacterial hosts. Significant outcomes include understanding the molecular basis of efficient plasmid inheritance in bacterial populations, and exploration of the innovative hypothesis that plasmids modulate expression of the host chromosome, a possibility that would profoundly alter our view of how plasmids influence host phenotype.Read moreRead less
The Immunoregulatory Role of the Endogenous Cannabinoid Anandamide. Anandamides are naturally occurring fatty acids that act at the cannabinoid receptor expressed in the brain and periphery. A new proposal by our research group challenges traditional models of the disease process by suggesting that the anandamide system is an important imunoregulatory system that can be targeted by invading pathogens. We propose that disruption to the anandamide system, by bacteria or viruses acting at the rece ....The Immunoregulatory Role of the Endogenous Cannabinoid Anandamide. Anandamides are naturally occurring fatty acids that act at the cannabinoid receptor expressed in the brain and periphery. A new proposal by our research group challenges traditional models of the disease process by suggesting that the anandamide system is an important imunoregulatory system that can be targeted by invading pathogens. We propose that disruption to the anandamide system, by bacteria or viruses acting at the receptor to block immunological responses, contributes to chronic illness states. At this point we have good evidence that anandamides are immunoregulators, however, we have very little knowledge of their precise physiological role. The aim of this research is to begin to characterise the immunoregulatory role of the anandamide system. This project will provide a comprehensive understanding of this endogenous control system, the immunological properties of which have not previously been described. The outcome of this research may lead to the identification of new avenues for the development of pharmaceutical interventions that can target this system.Read moreRead less
Does testosterone produce duds or studs? A performance-based examination of the Immunocompetence Handicap Hypothesis. The evolutionary persistence of testosterone (T) as a vertebrate reproductive hormone is viewed as a double-edged sword. On the one hand T secretion is required for development and expression of appropriate reproductive functions. On the other hand T is known to suppress immune functions and is thus considered a liability to male health. We are examining an alternate hypothesis: ....Does testosterone produce duds or studs? A performance-based examination of the Immunocompetence Handicap Hypothesis. The evolutionary persistence of testosterone (T) as a vertebrate reproductive hormone is viewed as a double-edged sword. On the one hand T secretion is required for development and expression of appropriate reproductive functions. On the other hand T is known to suppress immune functions and is thus considered a liability to male health. We are examining an alternate hypothesis: that T-induced immunosuppression benefits breeding males by protecting their physical performance levels during immune challenge. We will examine this hypothesis by quantifying the interactive effects of T and immune challenge on the aerobic capacity of male birds.Read moreRead less
Visual processing in a unique modular system - how can a simple cognitive architecture be used to solve complex visual tasks? The proposed interdisciplinary study of the visual system of jumping spiders will provide novel insights into how a simple cognitive architecture can be used to solve complex visual tasks. This will be the first comprehensive study of motion sensitivity in a spider. The insights obtained will be important for the development of artificial intelligence systems. We will pro ....Visual processing in a unique modular system - how can a simple cognitive architecture be used to solve complex visual tasks? The proposed interdisciplinary study of the visual system of jumping spiders will provide novel insights into how a simple cognitive architecture can be used to solve complex visual tasks. This will be the first comprehensive study of motion sensitivity in a spider. The insights obtained will be important for the development of artificial intelligence systems. We will provide a stimulating environment to train a postdoctoral fellow with state-of-art skills ranging from single-cell neurophysiology through to using 3D animation for sophisticated behavioural assays. The proposed work is a hot topic and will attract considerable attention, raise the profile of Australian science, and support postgraduate students. Read moreRead less
A molecular structure-function investigation of major membrane channels involved in olfactory transduction. Olfactory receptor neurons are extraordinarily-sensitive sensors for detecting minute concentrations of odorant molecules. This project aims to extend our previous studies of these specialised mammalian olfactory cells by using state-of-the art technologies: electrophysiology (patch-clamp) and molecular biology (site-directed-mutagenesis), to investigate how the molecular structure of the ....A molecular structure-function investigation of major membrane channels involved in olfactory transduction. Olfactory receptor neurons are extraordinarily-sensitive sensors for detecting minute concentrations of odorant molecules. This project aims to extend our previous studies of these specialised mammalian olfactory cells by using state-of-the art technologies: electrophysiology (patch-clamp) and molecular biology (site-directed-mutagenesis), to investigate how the molecular structure of their ion channels (selective protein pores) and receptors contribute to the odorant-induced generation of electrical activity, which mediates our sense of smell (olfaction). The project has specific relevance for understanding olfaction, as well as relevance for other sensory systems and other ion channels.Read moreRead less
The Fine Tuned Physiology of Microaerophilic Gastric Spirilla. The aim of the project is to understand the molecular basis of fundamental properties of the physiology of enterogastric spiral bacteria of the genera Campylobacter and Helicobacter. The characteristics of these obligate microaerophiles which will be investigated are their aerobic respiratory chains, the special metabolites and enzymes involved in thiol-disulphide redox balance, and their essential requirement for carbon dioxide. Mic ....The Fine Tuned Physiology of Microaerophilic Gastric Spirilla. The aim of the project is to understand the molecular basis of fundamental properties of the physiology of enterogastric spiral bacteria of the genera Campylobacter and Helicobacter. The characteristics of these obligate microaerophiles which will be investigated are their aerobic respiratory chains, the special metabolites and enzymes involved in thiol-disulphide redox balance, and their essential requirement for carbon dioxide. Microaerobes include some bacteria, archea and protozoa. Realisation of the widespread habitats and importance of microaerophiles, has led recently to a vigorous interest in understanding their physiology. Knowledge of the basic properties of microaerophily has potential applications to Environmental Microbiology, Agriculture, Industrial Microbiology, Veterinary Science and Medicine.Read moreRead less
Structural analysis and functional inactivation of bacterial transcription complexes. RNA polymerase is an essential enzyme in all living cells. Its role is to convert the genetic information stored in genes into a message that can be converted into protein. As such, the bacterial RNA polymerase represents an ideal target for the development of new antibiotics which will be important in maintaining the health of the Australian community and also in protecting the community from the very real thr ....Structural analysis and functional inactivation of bacterial transcription complexes. RNA polymerase is an essential enzyme in all living cells. Its role is to convert the genetic information stored in genes into a message that can be converted into protein. As such, the bacterial RNA polymerase represents an ideal target for the development of new antibiotics which will be important in maintaining the health of the Australian community and also in protecting the community from the very real threat of bioterrorism organisms such as anthrax. This project is designed to identify molecules for development as new antibiotics that are effective against RNA polymerase.Read moreRead less
Plasticity in placental vasculature and the evolution of viviparity in lizards. This cross-disciplinary research will provide thorough understanding of the reproductive physiology of animals with different forms of reproduction, information critical for conservation and management of Australia's biodiversity. Australia's unique reptiles provide the best animal system in the world for research in this area. Our research on maternal-embryonic interactions in this animal model has direct implicatio ....Plasticity in placental vasculature and the evolution of viviparity in lizards. This cross-disciplinary research will provide thorough understanding of the reproductive physiology of animals with different forms of reproduction, information critical for conservation and management of Australia's biodiversity. Australia's unique reptiles provide the best animal system in the world for research in this area. Our research on maternal-embryonic interactions in this animal model has direct implications for understanding some medical disorders, such as human angiogenic disorders. The research will strengthen ties internationally through research in South Africa, and provide training in combined biological and medical technologies. It will maintain Australia's long-term leadership in this area of research.Read moreRead less