In situ measurements of the electrostatic properties inside photosynthetic reaction centres: correlation with the energy conversion function of the protein. The photochemical reaction centre is a key protein complex involved in energy conversion. It converts solar energy into chemical energy as a transmembrane charge separation. Coupling of electron and proton transfer is catalysed at the level of a ubiquinone cofactor. In order to understand how the redox properties of this cofactor are fine tu ....In situ measurements of the electrostatic properties inside photosynthetic reaction centres: correlation with the energy conversion function of the protein. The photochemical reaction centre is a key protein complex involved in energy conversion. It converts solar energy into chemical energy as a transmembrane charge separation. Coupling of electron and proton transfer is catalysed at the level of a ubiquinone cofactor. In order to understand how the redox properties of this cofactor are fine tuned by the protein environment, we plan to probe the ubiquinone site using a voltage-sensitive fluorescent dye. This exciting multidisciplinary project will contribute to the understanding of how protein matrices influence and govern the midpoint redox potential of their cofactors and the environments of theirRead moreRead less
Membrane interactions and neurotoxicity of Amyloid Abeta peptides from Alzheimer's disease. A consequence of the increase in human life span is that age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) are more prevalent. Currently there are limited therapeutic treatments and no cure for AD. The key protein causing AD is Abeta and characterization of the toxic species of this peptide is critical towards identifying potential therapeutic targets. This proposal aims to study mut ....Membrane interactions and neurotoxicity of Amyloid Abeta peptides from Alzheimer's disease. A consequence of the increase in human life span is that age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) are more prevalent. Currently there are limited therapeutic treatments and no cure for AD. The key protein causing AD is Abeta and characterization of the toxic species of this peptide is critical towards identifying potential therapeutic targets. This proposal aims to study mutant peptides made synthetically and to identify a membrane-binding site. By establishing which lipid is critically involved in membrane binding of Abeta and mediating subsequent cell death, drugs may be developed to prevent the binding of Abeta to membranes resulting in neuronal survival and prevention of memory loss in AD patients.Read moreRead less
Light scattering in complex mesoscale systems. The aim of the proposed project is to develop tested theoretic models of, and test applications of, the scattering of light in complex mesoscale systems. This will include: light scattering by biological cells, including optical cancer detection, remote sensing of cell populations, flow cytometry and optical tweezers; optically driven micromachines, and nano- and micro-structured materials. These applications are of considerable technological, socia ....Light scattering in complex mesoscale systems. The aim of the proposed project is to develop tested theoretic models of, and test applications of, the scattering of light in complex mesoscale systems. This will include: light scattering by biological cells, including optical cancer detection, remote sensing of cell populations, flow cytometry and optical tweezers; optically driven micromachines, and nano- and micro-structured materials. These applications are of considerable technological, social, and economic importance, and significant advances are possible. Methods developed during this project will allow accurate theoretical calculations to be performed where only inadequate approximations have previously been possible.Read moreRead less
A biophotonics-based approach to the study of cell-mechanics. This study will help to promote and maintain good health. There is a connection between diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis and cell mechanics. Our study will provide insight into cell mechanics, thereby helping to understand the pathophysiology of these diseases. The study is relevant to tissue engineering. There is ongoing research on mechanical conditioning of tissue substitutes. Understanding cell mechanics will help to op ....A biophotonics-based approach to the study of cell-mechanics. This study will help to promote and maintain good health. There is a connection between diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis and cell mechanics. Our study will provide insight into cell mechanics, thereby helping to understand the pathophysiology of these diseases. The study is relevant to tissue engineering. There is ongoing research on mechanical conditioning of tissue substitutes. Understanding cell mechanics will help to optimise conditioning protocols, thereby improving the properties of engineered tissue.
During this study we will develop optical tools that have applications in the life sciences, in the development of advanced materials and in nanotechnology. Our project will promote Australian research in these fields.
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Protein self-assembly on surfaces, interfaces and nanoparticles. Surfaces such as those presented by an air-liquid interface or air-borne nanoparticles exert significant effects on protein aggregation in biological environments. We will develop a comprehensive theoretical and experimental approach to study the effects of such surfaces on the self assembly of proteins leading to disease causing amyloid fibrils. This will provide a molecular level understanding of protein self-association and a ....Protein self-assembly on surfaces, interfaces and nanoparticles. Surfaces such as those presented by an air-liquid interface or air-borne nanoparticles exert significant effects on protein aggregation in biological environments. We will develop a comprehensive theoretical and experimental approach to study the effects of such surfaces on the self assembly of proteins leading to disease causing amyloid fibrils. This will provide a molecular level understanding of protein self-association and a rational basis for the design of inhibitors to stop protein aggregation. The work will also establish design principles for new nanomaterials via the controlled self assembly of proteins on surfaces.Read moreRead less