Transport and innate immune properties of DNA in bacterial nano-sized vesicles. All types of living organisms release nano-sized membrane vesicles or “blebs” which they use for intercellular communication and transport of molecules. This project will determine how bacteria package DNA within these vesicles, how this DNA is transported into host cells and how it triggers immune responses in these cells.
Sterile inflammation as a determinant of adaptive immunity. When we injure ourselves, the site of injury becomes inflamed, which may help healing or cause trouble. This project aims to understand how the normal response to injury is controlled and why the process may sometimes go wrong.
Immune-imprinting nanoparticles (iNPs). This research promises new classes of immune-imprinting, biodegradable nanoparticles (iNPs) with anti-inflammatory properties. The engineering of such particles requires fundamental understanding of their properties that enable specific cellular interactions to regulate immunity with new anti-inflammatory pathways. For pulmonary delivery, spray-dried amino acid microspheres with tailored surfaces as carriers can be generated using the innovative microfluid ....Immune-imprinting nanoparticles (iNPs). This research promises new classes of immune-imprinting, biodegradable nanoparticles (iNPs) with anti-inflammatory properties. The engineering of such particles requires fundamental understanding of their properties that enable specific cellular interactions to regulate immunity with new anti-inflammatory pathways. For pulmonary delivery, spray-dried amino acid microspheres with tailored surfaces as carriers can be generated using the innovative microfluidic drying approach. The potential applications of iNPs are wide-ranging and are not restricted to pulmonary targeting. The potential commercial implications for Australia's emerging biopharmaceutical industry are substantial.Read moreRead less
Histone deacetylase functions in immune cells. This project aims to define how an enzyme (a histone deacetylase) enables innate immune cells (macrophages) to respond to specific danger signals, such as those activating Toll-like Receptors. To identify processes that provide specificity to signal transduction pathways, this project will characterise protein targets and biological functions of a specific class IIa histone deacetylase in macrophages. This project expects to result in an understandi ....Histone deacetylase functions in immune cells. This project aims to define how an enzyme (a histone deacetylase) enables innate immune cells (macrophages) to respond to specific danger signals, such as those activating Toll-like Receptors. To identify processes that provide specificity to signal transduction pathways, this project will characterise protein targets and biological functions of a specific class IIa histone deacetylase in macrophages. This project expects to result in an understanding of histone deacetylases and protein deacetylation in immune cell responses which can be harnessed to manipulate cell functions for basic science and biotechnology uses.Read moreRead less
Analysing the protective role of platelets during malaria infection. Platelets protect the host during malarial infection. This project aims to study how platelets kill the malaria parasite by investigating the role of host molecules and their potential as novel antimalarial agents. The role of platelets in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria syndrome will also be investigated.
Structural and functional studies of a Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein. This project will study a fundamental process that is crucial to the regulation of almost all cellular processes. The dysfunction of this process can lead to cancer, neurodegenerative and immunological disorders. The outcome will be an advancement in knowledgebase at the most fundamental level.
SNARE-mediated perforin and cytokine release in natural killer cells. Cytotoxic cells release toxic granules and cytokine messengers to kill pathogen infected and cancerous cells and to mount immune responses. This project will investigate different SNARE molecules that regulate the secretion of perforin from granules and cytokines from other carriers, assisting in the understanding of complex but essential cellular pathways.
Toll Like Receptor signalling as a mediator of sex differences in pain, opioid and alcohol action. Brain immunology will be examined in this project to see if the signalling of a receptor called Toll Like Receptor 4 can explain sex differences in pain, and the action of pain killers and alcohol. These findings will have significant implications on the understanding of male and female brains, and will assist in the design of new drugs to treat brain and spinal cord diseases.
Mechanisms connecting diet, metabolism, gut microbiota and immunity. This project will identify the role of short chain fatty acids and the G-protein coupled receptor (GPR43) in regulating immune responses. This could explain how diet affects immune responses and also how certain bacteria in the gut provide benefits for immune defence.
Nuclear plasticity during neutrophil migration and function. This project aims to discover how nuclear shape affects neutrophil function. Cell migration needs overall cellular plasticity and plasticity of internal structures such as the nucleus. The neutrophil, one of the most peripatetic cell types, has a specialised lobulated nucleus, thought to facilitate its mobility and function. Using zebrafish reporter lines that concurrently display the nucleus and cytoplasm, this project will display th ....Nuclear plasticity during neutrophil migration and function. This project aims to discover how nuclear shape affects neutrophil function. Cell migration needs overall cellular plasticity and plasticity of internal structures such as the nucleus. The neutrophil, one of the most peripatetic cell types, has a specialised lobulated nucleus, thought to facilitate its mobility and function. Using zebrafish reporter lines that concurrently display the nucleus and cytoplasm, this project will display the dynamic plasticity of neutrophil nuclei during neutrophil migration and function in vivo. This project seeks to use the spatiotemporal resolution of a lattice light sheet microscope to examine this further, and explore its effect on neutrophil function. The project seeks to establish morphological and mechanical principles applying not just to neutrophils, but to all migratory cell types.Read moreRead less