Dendritic cells are essential components of our immune systems. They are located throughout our body and provide the first line of defence against invading microbes. Dendritic cells sense the invader and send out signals to recruit our immune cells to the site of infection. Our research aims to understand how our dendritic cell network is set up and how it functions to promote our immune health.
Modelling, Measurement and Control of the Internet. The demands made of modern high-speed data networks, such as those that make up the Internet, are increasing rapidly in terms of both the quantity and quality of service required.
So that these demands can be satisfied, it is necessary that network operators, or even the network itself, take measurements and make control decisions. Depending on the service, there is a need to do this over very short timescales (fractions of a second), or lon ....Modelling, Measurement and Control of the Internet. The demands made of modern high-speed data networks, such as those that make up the Internet, are increasing rapidly in terms of both the quantity and quality of service required.
So that these demands can be satisfied, it is necessary that network operators, or even the network itself, take measurements and make control decisions. Depending on the service, there is a need to do this over very short timescales (fractions of a second), or longer
timescales (minutes or even weeks).
By developing innovative mathematical models of network behaviour,
this project will deliver improved methods for measurement and
control of the Internet.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Role Of The Essential Regulator WalKR In Staphylococcus Aureus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,239.00
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common human bacterial pathogens. This project aims to characterise an important global control system in S. aureus, and determine if chemical inhibitors of this control system could be used to treat S. aureus disease in the future.
Identification Of Factors Critical For Maintenance Of The Epidermal Barrier
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,950.00
Summary
The human skin plays a crucial role in the body’s defence against our hostile environment. The outer most layer of the skin, the epidermis is the key structural component of the skin barrier and is essential for its integrity. We have identified a family of genes that are pivotal for epidermal barrier formation, maintenance and repair. This project examines the mechanisms that underpin the function of this family, and has broad ramifications in a host of dermatological conditions.
Genetic Programs Orchestrated By AP-1 Transcription Factors In Colorectal Cancer Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$599,941.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. About half of all patients diagnosed with the disease die as a result of its spread in the body. This project will investigate the role that a specific DNA-binding protein plays in orchestrating gene expression programs required for CRCs to spread. The research will provide new insights into underlying mechanisms of CRC progression as well as identify new therapeutic targets for aggressive forms of the disease.
Reprogramming is the conversion of any cell into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). iPSC carry immense clinical potential as they are pluripotent and can hence form any cell of the human body, however, they can also form tumours. We have identified a cell type during reprogramming which is pluripotent but cannot form tumours. It is the aim of this project to determine the molecular differences between iPSC and this cell type in order to facilitate the delivery of cell replacement therapies.
Regulation Of TNF Expression In Inflammation And Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$728,447.00
Summary
By studying a spontaneous mutation in mice, we have found an error in the TNF gene (a major factor in many inflammatory diseases) that causes severe arthritis, heart valve disease and gut inflammation. We have also identified new regulators of TNF expression, which might be useful therapeutic targets to limit inflammation. We intend to study the role of these regulators in controlling the expression of TNF, and the link between chronic inflammation and the development of cancer.
MicroRNA Networks That Safeguard The Functional Program Of Regulatory T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,941.00
Summary
A newly discovered group of molecules termed microRNAs are thought to function as rheostats for the activity of genes. We have shown that these molecules are critical for the function of an immune cell type termed regulatory T cells. Without these cells, the immune system is unable to prevent uncontrolled and destructive inflammation. This proposal aims to utilize diverse technologies to uncover the precise molecular mechanisms by which microRNAs safeguard the function of regulatory T cells.
A Green Internet - telecommunications technologies and their environmental impact. This project will solve problems of direct importance to Australia and the wider international community. It will enable continued growth of broadband Internet services in Australia and elsewhere, while minimizing the environmental impact of this growth. The project will significantly advance Australia's participation in Information and Communications industries through an increase in the knowledge and skills ba ....A Green Internet - telecommunications technologies and their environmental impact. This project will solve problems of direct importance to Australia and the wider international community. It will enable continued growth of broadband Internet services in Australia and elsewhere, while minimizing the environmental impact of this growth. The project will significantly advance Australia's participation in Information and Communications industries through an increase in the knowledge and skills base in telecommunications technologies and their environmental impact. The outcomes of the research will be in technologies that are well-matched to the needs and interests of Australian companies. Read moreRead less