Structural And Functional Analysis Of A Cancer-linked Co-regulator Complex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$729,571.00
Summary
We seek to understand the mechanisms by which genes are switched on and off throughout our lifetime. A number of multi-component protein machines are involved in this process but their make-up and mechanism of action is not understood. We will investigate the structure and function of one of these machines that has been strongly linked to cancer.
The characterization of tiny Ribonucleic acids in animal epigenetics. Epigenetics, the inheritance of traits not encoded in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), is not well understood in animals. This project will investigate two classes of Ribonucleic acid (RNA) that may form part of an animal-specific epigenetic regulatory system. This study could revolutionize our understanding of animal genetics.
Most eye diseases have a genetic contribution, whether rare disorders affecting children such as retinoblastoma or congenital cataracts through to common disorders of older people such as myopia, age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma. We will continue our successful research to find genes that cause these diseases and use this to improve patient care and prevent blindness. We will work out how families can use this genetic information to participate in trials to develop new treatments.
The Functional Roles Of ADAMs In The Regulation Of Embryo Implantation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$211,527.00
Summary
The initiation of pregnancy in humans and rodents hinges upon the ability of the embryo to attach to the wall of the uterus and invade into the uterine tissue. This process of embryo implantation is tightly regulated and depends on the secretion of enzymes and regulators of these enzymes. A newly identified family of enzymes which might be important in this process is the ADAMs family. These enzymes have the potential to facilitate both cell attachment and cell invasion and also to activate othe ....The initiation of pregnancy in humans and rodents hinges upon the ability of the embryo to attach to the wall of the uterus and invade into the uterine tissue. This process of embryo implantation is tightly regulated and depends on the secretion of enzymes and regulators of these enzymes. A newly identified family of enzymes which might be important in this process is the ADAMs family. These enzymes have the potential to facilitate both cell attachment and cell invasion and also to activate other enzymes and growth factors. Recent studies in our laboratory have shown the ADAMs to be expressed both at the most invasive time of implantation and when invasion is being down-regulated. This project will examine the role of the ADAMs in embryo implantation facilitating attachment and invasion into the uterus by acting enzymatically on the uterine tissue and by activating other enzymes. It will also determine the role of ADAMs in down-regulating invasion potentially by activating a growth factor, TNF-alpha. Knowledge of this process and particularly its regulation is important for the treatment of pregnancy associated diseases that arise from improper implantation. These include infertility, placenta accreta, choriocarcinoma, miscarriage and pre-eclampsia. Furthermore, an understanding of the regulation of implantation will contribute to the treatment of other conditions associated with cell invasion such as cancer metastasis.Read moreRead less
Transforming The Diagnosis And Management Of Severe Neurocognitive Disorders Through Genomics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,499,330.00
Summary
Neurocognitive disorders (NCD) are one of the most common genetic conditions in our society and it results with a need for ongoing permanent care for many affected people. Until recently, only 30% of people with NCD could be diagnosed but this has changed with the availability of genomic testing where all genes can be tested at once. The use of genomics in the CRE will lead to new NCD genes being identified and this information being translated into a clinical setting.
Identification of functionally important autophosphorylation site(s) on ataxia telangiectasia and Rad 3 - related (ATR) protein kinase. The integrity of our genetic material must be maintained so that it can be passed on from one generation to the next and also to minimize the risk of cancer and other pathologies in an individual. There are multiple proteins involved in protecting our DNA including several enzymes that detect and signal DNA damage to a series of pathways involved in halting the ....Identification of functionally important autophosphorylation site(s) on ataxia telangiectasia and Rad 3 - related (ATR) protein kinase. The integrity of our genetic material must be maintained so that it can be passed on from one generation to the next and also to minimize the risk of cancer and other pathologies in an individual. There are multiple proteins involved in protecting our DNA including several enzymes that detect and signal DNA damage to a series of pathways involved in halting the passage of cells through the cell cycle so that repair can occur. This project studies the mechanism of action of one of these enzymes which will be of benefit in designing new compounds to fight disease. Read moreRead less
ARC Centre in Bioinformatics. The Australian Centre for Genome-Phenome Bioinformatics will examine how the genome comes to life in the mammalian cell during differentiation and development. We will model, visualise and experimentally validate the complex cellular systems and regulatory networks that control the transformation of genomic information into biological structure and function. We will develop novel approaches and tools to improve health, optimise agricultural production and exploit ne ....ARC Centre in Bioinformatics. The Australian Centre for Genome-Phenome Bioinformatics will examine how the genome comes to life in the mammalian cell during differentiation and development. We will model, visualise and experimentally validate the complex cellular systems and regulatory networks that control the transformation of genomic information into biological structure and function. We will develop novel approaches and tools to improve health, optimise agricultural production and exploit new cell technologies. The Centre will build critical mass and national focus in bioinformatics to generate the human capital and intellectual property that Australia needs to compete in advanced bioscience and biotechnology.Read moreRead less
Bayesian methodology for analysis of genome data with focus on the livestock industry. The aim is to develop statistical methods for the design and analysis of genome data with focus on the special needs of the livestock industry. This will significantly contribute to profitability, quality, genetic improvement and genetic knowledge in a key national industry, improve Australia's international and national profile in the key research area of bioinformatics, and encourage optimisation of current ....Bayesian methodology for analysis of genome data with focus on the livestock industry. The aim is to develop statistical methods for the design and analysis of genome data with focus on the special needs of the livestock industry. This will significantly contribute to profitability, quality, genetic improvement and genetic knowledge in a key national industry, improve Australia's international and national profile in the key research area of bioinformatics, and encourage optimisation of current information. Outcomes include a toolkit of applicable statistical methods, statistically valid algorithms, marketable methods for gene discovery, technology transfer, training and publications.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160100755
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,000.00
Summary
Evolution of genome architecture. The project aims to understand how changes to genome architecture over evolutionary time are linked to the diversity of animal morphology. Our genome sequence is arranged into higher order structures that enable coordinated gene expression. The appropriate expression of genes in time and space is necessary to produce the multitude of cell types that make up a multicellular organism. Yet, to date, genome topology is poorly explored, especially between species. Th ....Evolution of genome architecture. The project aims to understand how changes to genome architecture over evolutionary time are linked to the diversity of animal morphology. Our genome sequence is arranged into higher order structures that enable coordinated gene expression. The appropriate expression of genes in time and space is necessary to produce the multitude of cell types that make up a multicellular organism. Yet, to date, genome topology is poorly explored, especially between species. The project involves comparisons of the 3D structure of genomes in divergent species. These findings are expected to inform the underlying principles of gene regulation in animals and species evolution.Read moreRead less