Structural studies of mammalian dimeric dihydrodiol dehydrogenase and L-xylulose reductase. The aim of the research is determine the structures and mechanisms of mammalian dimeric dihrodiol dehydrogenase and L-xylulose reductase. Mammalian dihydrodiol dehydrogenase exists in multiple forms in mammalian tissues. The dimeric form of the enzyme has a primary structure distinct from previously known mammalian enzymes and may constitute a novel protein family with prokaryotic proteins. L-Xylulose ....Structural studies of mammalian dimeric dihydrodiol dehydrogenase and L-xylulose reductase. The aim of the research is determine the structures and mechanisms of mammalian dimeric dihrodiol dehydrogenase and L-xylulose reductase. Mammalian dihydrodiol dehydrogenase exists in multiple forms in mammalian tissues. The dimeric form of the enzyme has a primary structure distinct from previously known mammalian enzymes and may constitute a novel protein family with prokaryotic proteins. L-Xylulose reductase is an enzyme of the uronate cycle that accounts for about 5% of the total glucose metabolism per day in humans. We propose to determine the first structure of a L-xylulose reductase.Read moreRead less
Three-dimensional flow, temperature and melting distributions in mantle subduction zones. We will predict spatial distributions and time evolution of temperature and magma production in subduction zones, where cold oceanic plates sink into the Earth's mantle, recycle crust and sediments, and generate volcanic arcs. Three-dimensional laboratory experiments, including 3-D flow visualization and high-resolution temperature measurements, will model slab segments, different rates and modes of subduct ....Three-dimensional flow, temperature and melting distributions in mantle subduction zones. We will predict spatial distributions and time evolution of temperature and magma production in subduction zones, where cold oceanic plates sink into the Earth's mantle, recycle crust and sediments, and generate volcanic arcs. Three-dimensional laboratory experiments, including 3-D flow visualization and high-resolution temperature measurements, will model slab segments, different rates and modes of subduction and upward transport of melt. Ocean trench migration (?rollback? subduction) is of special interest because it gives patterns of temperature and vertical motion most conducive to melting. Results will be used to interpret geochemical and seismic data from the Tonga subduction zone in the South Pacific.Read moreRead less
Interfacial interactions with hydrogel biomaterials. The interactions between cells of the body and the surfaces of medical implants are controlled largely by the molecules that are adsorbed on the surface. The aim of this project is to evaluate the effect of modifying hydrogel biomaterials on the interactions of the molecules with the hydrogel. This, in turn, allows us to determine the factors affecting the control of the cell's response. The significance of this work is in the improved ability ....Interfacial interactions with hydrogel biomaterials. The interactions between cells of the body and the surfaces of medical implants are controlled largely by the molecules that are adsorbed on the surface. The aim of this project is to evaluate the effect of modifying hydrogel biomaterials on the interactions of the molecules with the hydrogel. This, in turn, allows us to determine the factors affecting the control of the cell's response. The significance of this work is in the improved ability to control cellular responses to implants. Such improved response will result in better health outcomes for patients, and outcomes in the form of papers and intellectual property.
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Chemostat experiments to mimic toxic environments associated with mass extinction events. This project will help scientists understand past climate changes and understand the mechanisms of global warming. This in turn will improve our ability to forecast future climate change, and help Australia manage current threats to its biodiversity. Importantly, this project will enable students and young professionals to be trained in state-of-the-art technologies, leading to quality scientists ready for ....Chemostat experiments to mimic toxic environments associated with mass extinction events. This project will help scientists understand past climate changes and understand the mechanisms of global warming. This in turn will improve our ability to forecast future climate change, and help Australia manage current threats to its biodiversity. Importantly, this project will enable students and young professionals to be trained in state-of-the-art technologies, leading to quality scientists ready for employment in geoscience industries, and raising the profile of science careers in Australia.Read moreRead less
Male germ line transgenesis and siRNA technology for manipulating genes in domestic species. Professor Shemesh has successfully developed male germ line transgenesis in species such as bovine and chicken. This technology allows genes to be manipulated via sperm in a wide range of animals besides mice, avoiding the need for a female in vitro fertilization regimen. He is curently applying interference RNA (siRNA) transgenically to manipulate genes in vivo. Together these two technologies offer imm ....Male germ line transgenesis and siRNA technology for manipulating genes in domestic species. Professor Shemesh has successfully developed male germ line transgenesis in species such as bovine and chicken. This technology allows genes to be manipulated via sperm in a wide range of animals besides mice, avoiding the need for a female in vitro fertilization regimen. He is curently applying interference RNA (siRNA) transgenically to manipulate genes in vivo. Together these two technologies offer immense possibilities to manipulate a wide range of species for economic, biotechnological or medical research purposes. Professor Shemesh wishes to come to Adelaide to establish these technologies there as parts of ongoing research projects, related to the physiology of the ovarian hormone relaxin in aging research.Read moreRead less
Ecological patterns in deep-sea macro- and microbiotic communities on Vailulu'u Seamount and Ta'u Island, American Samoa. Volcanoes are viewed as large mountains that occasionally spurt smoke and debris into the air. But terrestrial volcanoes are but a small fraction of the volcanos on our planet, most simmer unobserved underneath the sea. The interdependence of biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere at volcanoes is amongst the most exciting and important research topics that help us understand ....Ecological patterns in deep-sea macro- and microbiotic communities on Vailulu'u Seamount and Ta'u Island, American Samoa. Volcanoes are viewed as large mountains that occasionally spurt smoke and debris into the air. But terrestrial volcanoes are but a small fraction of the volcanos on our planet, most simmer unobserved underneath the sea. The interdependence of biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere at volcanoes is amongst the most exciting and important research topics that help us understand how our planet has evolved and works through time. This project will used manned submersibles and remotely operated vehicles to conduct experiments at a submarine volcano that will help us understand how complex biological systems can form under such extreme conditions.Read moreRead less
Biomaterial applications of synthetic elastin. The grant will develop a new collaboration between two established laboratories. The Weiss Lab (synthetic elastin; University of Sydney, Australia) will send elastin materials to the Langer Lab (interface of biotechnology and materials science; MIT, USA). Prof. Weiss will visit the Langer Lab and be trained in and participate collaboratively in the use of established MIT methodologies that will focus on applications in cardiac tissue engineering, co ....Biomaterial applications of synthetic elastin. The grant will develop a new collaboration between two established laboratories. The Weiss Lab (synthetic elastin; University of Sydney, Australia) will send elastin materials to the Langer Lab (interface of biotechnology and materials science; MIT, USA). Prof. Weiss will visit the Langer Lab and be trained in and participate collaboratively in the use of established MIT methodologies that will focus on applications in cardiac tissue engineering, controlled release of drugs and vocal fold repair. The MIT group will benefit from access to and the use of elastin materials that are developed in AustraliaRead moreRead less
Combining the soft with the hard: The assembly of artificial cell membranes on porous semiconductors. The platform technologies developed in this project will have a wide range of applications. They will reveal new insights into drug-membrane and drug-protein interactions underpinning development of a new generation of drugs acting on transmembrane proteins that are linked to a wide range of diseases. The development of membrane-based biosensing devices targeting ion channels, membrane active pe ....Combining the soft with the hard: The assembly of artificial cell membranes on porous semiconductors. The platform technologies developed in this project will have a wide range of applications. They will reveal new insights into drug-membrane and drug-protein interactions underpinning development of a new generation of drugs acting on transmembrane proteins that are linked to a wide range of diseases. The development of membrane-based biosensing devices targeting ion channels, membrane active peptides or toxins which can be applied to biomedical diagnostics, biotoxin detection, environmental and food control will be readily achievable. This international interdisciplinary nanobiotechnology programme and its outcomes will enhance Australia's abilities in frontier technologies and build research strength in nanobiotechnology.Read moreRead less
The effects of alpha-2-macroglobulin on amyloid formation and toxicity. The expected outcomes will provide major advances in understanding how the abundant human blood protein alpha-2-macroglobulin influences the formation of protein aggregates that underpin a number of serious diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's disease). The linkages involved are of the highest calibre and will give the Fellowship holder a unique opportunity for training in environments that are truly internationally leading-edge. Fur ....The effects of alpha-2-macroglobulin on amyloid formation and toxicity. The expected outcomes will provide major advances in understanding how the abundant human blood protein alpha-2-macroglobulin influences the formation of protein aggregates that underpin a number of serious diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's disease). The linkages involved are of the highest calibre and will give the Fellowship holder a unique opportunity for training in environments that are truly internationally leading-edge. Furthermore, the very high novelty and broad significance of this work indicate that it will produce high-impact publications which will tangibly assist Australia being recognized as a major contributor to international research outcomes of the highest quality.Read moreRead less
Role of autophagy in degradation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localised protein aggregates. This study will provide a new understanding of protein aggregate accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a phenomenon that occurs in aging cells and protein conformational diseases, and under stress conditions and during secretory protein overexpression. This information will inform strategies to prevent the onset of protein conformational diseases and help identify targets for pharmaceutical int ....Role of autophagy in degradation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localised protein aggregates. This study will provide a new understanding of protein aggregate accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a phenomenon that occurs in aging cells and protein conformational diseases, and under stress conditions and during secretory protein overexpression. This information will inform strategies to prevent the onset of protein conformational diseases and help identify targets for pharmaceutical intervention. In addition, a powerful model system for studies of ER protein aggregation will be established, high-level training in biochemistry and morphometry will be provided, and an international collaboration of the highest calibre will be initiated.Read moreRead less