Response of Proteins to External Non-Ionising Radiation: an Experimental and Computer Modelling Investigation. The expanding use of digital technologies such as mobile phones has led to major health concerns about the effects of non-ionising pulsed radiation exposure which has been shown to produce instantaneous temperature rises undetectable by normal thermometry. The health implications of exposure are not understandable without establishing molecular mechanisms by which pulsed microwaves can ....Response of Proteins to External Non-Ionising Radiation: an Experimental and Computer Modelling Investigation. The expanding use of digital technologies such as mobile phones has led to major health concerns about the effects of non-ionising pulsed radiation exposure which has been shown to produce instantaneous temperature rises undetectable by normal thermometry. The health implications of exposure are not understandable without establishing molecular mechanisms by which pulsed microwaves can cause biological effects. We aim to establish methods for studying the molecular mechanisms of protein structural and energetic changes occurring due to non-ionising radiation. The results will help our industry partner to design specific drugs as well as formulate a scientifically based standard for microwave utilisation.Read moreRead less
Electro-Catalytic Conjugated Polymers. The Future Fellowship will tackle some of the challenging issues regarding the conversion of our society into a post-petroleum era through: Development and understanding of a new class of catalysts for efficient conversion and storage of energy. Developing cheap and effective electrodes structures for next generation transport and storage technologies i.e. fuel-cells for cars and flexible solar-cells for electricity production. Collaborating at an internati ....Electro-Catalytic Conjugated Polymers. The Future Fellowship will tackle some of the challenging issues regarding the conversion of our society into a post-petroleum era through: Development and understanding of a new class of catalysts for efficient conversion and storage of energy. Developing cheap and effective electrodes structures for next generation transport and storage technologies i.e. fuel-cells for cars and flexible solar-cells for electricity production. Collaborating at an international level with leading groups in the sustainable energy field. These outcome will contribute to National Research Priorities 2; Frontier Technologies for building and transforming Australian Industries and 1; An Environmentally Sustainable AustraliaRead moreRead less
Identifying mitogenic signalling proteins with phosphatidyl inositol lipids. Health care of an ageing population is a national priority of the community. In order to understand the factors that control cell growth and death in cancer cells signalling proteins can be identified and studied and compared with model systems from quiescent cells. Using phospholipids attached to 'fishing lines' we can search for, identify and study the function of all the downstream signalling proteins in activated c ....Identifying mitogenic signalling proteins with phosphatidyl inositol lipids. Health care of an ageing population is a national priority of the community. In order to understand the factors that control cell growth and death in cancer cells signalling proteins can be identified and studied and compared with model systems from quiescent cells. Using phospholipids attached to 'fishing lines' we can search for, identify and study the function of all the downstream signalling proteins in activated cancer cells. This will provide the basic information for drug discovery processes to target specific molecules that inhibit and control the function of the signalling proteins implicated in the growth of cancer cells.Read moreRead less
Synthesis of phosphatidylinositol and inositol polyphosphate derivatives to probe key signalling proteins associated with cell growth and cancer. Health care of an ageing population is a national priority of the community. In order to understand the factors that control cell growth and death in cancer cells signalling proteins can be identified and studied and compared with model systems from quiescent cells. Using phospholipids and inositol polyphosphates attached to 'fishing lines' we can sea ....Synthesis of phosphatidylinositol and inositol polyphosphate derivatives to probe key signalling proteins associated with cell growth and cancer. Health care of an ageing population is a national priority of the community. In order to understand the factors that control cell growth and death in cancer cells signalling proteins can be identified and studied and compared with model systems from quiescent cells. Using phospholipids and inositol polyphosphates attached to 'fishing lines' we can search for, identify and study the function of many of the downstream signalling proteins in activated cancer cells. This will provide the basic information for discovery processes to target specific molecules that inhibit and control the function of the signalling proteins implicated in the growth of cancer cells.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0668017
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,047,000.00
Summary
Membrane Protein Structure and Interaction Facility. While it is estimated that a third of the human genome encodes for membrane proteins, the structures of only relatively few membrane proteins are currently known. It will be some time before membrane protein structure determination becomes routine, yet over 50% of the drugs on the market today rely on the activity of membrane proteins for their efficacy. This application seeks to establish a Membrane Protein Structure and Interaction Facility ....Membrane Protein Structure and Interaction Facility. While it is estimated that a third of the human genome encodes for membrane proteins, the structures of only relatively few membrane proteins are currently known. It will be some time before membrane protein structure determination becomes routine, yet over 50% of the drugs on the market today rely on the activity of membrane proteins for their efficacy. This application seeks to establish a Membrane Protein Structure and Interaction Facility for the development and application of novel techniques and approaches to study the structure and interactions of membrane proteins. Research progress will be greatly enhanced by the establishment of this dedicated facility with cutting-edge technologies for the study of membrane proteins.Read 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
Paper fluidics - A novel approach to low cost printable microsensors. Printing is perhaps the cheapest means of mass production available, yet it is used almost exclusively to mass produce only one thing, i.e. the printed word! This project will enable the development of disposable printed sensors for assessing the quality of water or the health of an individual. Sensors are generally relatively expensive, but the ability to print them on paper by the thousand will bring down the cost to a few ....Paper fluidics - A novel approach to low cost printable microsensors. Printing is perhaps the cheapest means of mass production available, yet it is used almost exclusively to mass produce only one thing, i.e. the printed word! This project will enable the development of disposable printed sensors for assessing the quality of water or the health of an individual. Sensors are generally relatively expensive, but the ability to print them on paper by the thousand will bring down the cost to a few cents. Such cheap, portable, easy-to-use sensors if widely available could profoundly affect the lives of people living in remote areas and developing countries.Read moreRead less
Cross-linked Tyrosine Residues in Peptides and Proteins. Many peptides and proteins have recently been found to contain unusual structural modifications, commonly in the form of cross-linked tyrosine residues. The aims of this project are to design and synthesise examples of these cross-linked tyrosine structures, thereby enabling the preparation of models of the modified proteins. Outcomes of this research will include an increased understanding of the relationship between the three-dimensional ....Cross-linked Tyrosine Residues in Peptides and Proteins. Many peptides and proteins have recently been found to contain unusual structural modifications, commonly in the form of cross-linked tyrosine residues. The aims of this project are to design and synthesise examples of these cross-linked tyrosine structures, thereby enabling the preparation of models of the modified proteins. Outcomes of this research will include an increased understanding of the relationship between the three-dimensional structure and biological activity of peptides/proteins, the generation of lead compounds for new anti-bacterial and anti-fungal pharmaceuticals, and the preparation of biological 'markers' of the processes involved in neurodegenerative diseases and aging.Read moreRead less
Atmospheric Free-Radicals: Exploring the Role of Nitrate Radicals in the Oxidative Damage of Bio-Surfaces. This project falls within the National Research Priority 2 (Promoting and Maintaining Good Health) as identified by the ARC, specifically Priority Goal 2 (Ageing well, ageing productively) and Priority Goal 3 (Preventive healthcare). The study will lead to a better understanding of environmental factors influencing health and welfare of Australians every age and will provide unique opport ....Atmospheric Free-Radicals: Exploring the Role of Nitrate Radicals in the Oxidative Damage of Bio-Surfaces. This project falls within the National Research Priority 2 (Promoting and Maintaining Good Health) as identified by the ARC, specifically Priority Goal 2 (Ageing well, ageing productively) and Priority Goal 3 (Preventive healthcare). The study will lead to a better understanding of environmental factors influencing health and welfare of Australians every age and will provide unique opportunities for students to be trained in cutting-edge basic research. Knowledge and fundamental understanding of the damage of bio-surfaces caused by atmospheric free-radical oxidants and their potential role in ageing processes will help to develop novel medical strategies, which substantially contribute to the quality of Australian sciences.Read moreRead less
Biosynthesis of multiple-nonmetal codoped titania nanoparticles for visible light photocatalysis. Nano-photocatalysts' are particles of very small size that can degrade organic wastes and harmful microorganisms, when exposed to light. Titania is the most commonly used photocatalyst, but the limitation with existing titania is that it is mainly active in ultraviolet (UV) light. UV-light cannot be used for indoor applications because UV is mutagenic and causes cancer. This project will use an eco- ....Biosynthesis of multiple-nonmetal codoped titania nanoparticles for visible light photocatalysis. Nano-photocatalysts' are particles of very small size that can degrade organic wastes and harmful microorganisms, when exposed to light. Titania is the most commonly used photocatalyst, but the limitation with existing titania is that it is mainly active in ultraviolet (UV) light. UV-light cannot be used for indoor applications because UV is mutagenic and causes cancer. This project will use an eco-friendly approach to develop novel titania nanoparticles, which will be active in visible light. Success will lead to new options in the management of our organic wastes and wastewaters (global problems), plant disease control, clean clinical surroundings, and add value to our day-to-day products like self-cleaning windows, and textiles.Read moreRead less