ARC Centre of Excellence - Centre for Antimatter-Matter Studies. While our world is made of matter, all particles have anti-particles and the most abundant is the positron, the electron's antiparticle. It is the "workshop" for most anti-matter studies, particularly for the characterization of materials, including gases, polymers, insulators, thin films and surfaces, as well as the development of new and novel, nano-structured materials. The ARC Centre of Excellence in Antimatter-Matter Studies ....ARC Centre of Excellence - Centre for Antimatter-Matter Studies. While our world is made of matter, all particles have anti-particles and the most abundant is the positron, the electron's antiparticle. It is the "workshop" for most anti-matter studies, particularly for the characterization of materials, including gases, polymers, insulators, thin films and surfaces, as well as the development of new and novel, nano-structured materials. The ARC Centre of Excellence in Antimatter-Matter Studies (CAMS) will bring together key Australian and international scientists to work in this emerging scientific field of antimatter-matter interactions. It will forge a unique and effective scientific team for state-of-the-art studies of the nano-world that underlies many everyday processes and new technologies.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Capsid Protein Nucleolar Localisation In Chikungunya Virus: Implications For Vaccine Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$520,520.00
Summary
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a globally widespread mosquito-borne alphavirus capable of causing considerable human morbidity and mortality. With no CHIKV vaccine or antiviral available this proposal aims to develop a live attenuated CHIKV vaccine, rationally designed by investigating the host cell nucleolar trafficking of CHIKV capsid protein. This vaccine has the potential to provide cross-protection against additional arthritogenic alphaviruses endemic to Australia such as Ross River virus.
Novel Insights Into The Pathobiology Of Alphavirus Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$827,660.00
Summary
Infections with mosquito-borne viruses are increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Ross River virus is endemic in parts of Australia, PNG and Pacific islands, while chikungunya virus is distributed globally and causes recurrent pandemics that involve millions of people. These viruses cause severe musculoskeletal disease for several months after infection. This project aims to establish how these viruses interact with the human host to cause disease and may provide a basis for new treatments.
Mitochondrial Iron Overload And Friedreich's Ataxia: The Role Of Frataxin In Iron And Haem Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$285,990.00
Summary
Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is due to the lack of a protein known as frataxin. Recent studies using Baker's yeast have shown that the deletion of frataxin results in the accumulation of toxic iron in the mitochondrion. More recently, a variety of studies have shown that FA patients have iron loading within their cells. The iron build-up may cause severe damage. At present, the role of frataxin in mammalian mitochondrial iron metabolism is unknown. Our preliminary studies demonstrate that frataxin i ....Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is due to the lack of a protein known as frataxin. Recent studies using Baker's yeast have shown that the deletion of frataxin results in the accumulation of toxic iron in the mitochondrion. More recently, a variety of studies have shown that FA patients have iron loading within their cells. The iron build-up may cause severe damage. At present, the role of frataxin in mammalian mitochondrial iron metabolism is unknown. Our preliminary studies demonstrate that frataxin is down-regulated by either erythroid differentiation or the haem precursor protoporphyrin IX (Becker and Richardson, submitted). These data strongly suggest a role for frataxin in iron metabolism. In the present study we will continue to assess if frataxin plays a role in the way cells handle iron. Using a unique model of mitochondrial iron overload developed in my lab (Richardson et al. (1996) BLOOD 87:3477), we will extensively investigate the iron metabolism of the mitochondrion in order to determine the function of frataxin and its role in Friedreich's ataxia. In addition, we have developed a series of new drugs known as iron chelators that can enter the mitochondrion due to their high lipid solubility (Becker and Richardson 1999 J. Lab. Clin. Med. 134:510). These latter drugs are far more effective than the chelator currently used to treat iron overload, desferrioxamine (DFO). Indeed, our chelators have been designed to result in high iron chelation efficacy but low toxicity (see Becker and Richardson, 1999). This exciting research may be crucial in understanding the development of FA and in creating new therapies such as the use of iron chelators.Read moreRead less
Mitochondrial Iron Overload And Friedreich's Ataxia: The Role Of Frataxin In Iron And Haem Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$606,000.00
Summary
Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is due to the lack of a protein known as frataxin. A variety of studies using Baker's yeast and conditional frataxin knockout (KO) mice have shown that deletion of frataxin leads to the accumulation of toxic iron in their mitochondrion. More recently, a variety of studies have shown that FA patients have iron-loading within their mitochondrion. Iron in the highly redox active environment of the mitochondrion could contribute to the generation of cytotoxic radicals that c ....Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is due to the lack of a protein known as frataxin. A variety of studies using Baker's yeast and conditional frataxin knockout (KO) mice have shown that deletion of frataxin leads to the accumulation of toxic iron in their mitochondrion. More recently, a variety of studies have shown that FA patients have iron-loading within their mitochondrion. Iron in the highly redox active environment of the mitochondrion could contribute to the generation of cytotoxic radicals that cause severe damage. Further, cells deficient in frataxin are sensitive to oxidant stress and Fe chelators rescue oxidant-mediated death of cells from FA patients. Indeed, free radical scavengers have shown to be of use in the treatment of this disease. Studies in DR's lab during this NHMRC grant have shown that frataxin is down-regulated by erythroid differentiation or the haem precursor, protoporphyrin IX (BLOOD 2002;99:3813-22). These data indicate a role for frataxin in Fe metabolism and the pathogenesis of FA. In this study we will continue to examine the role of frataxin in the way cells handle Fe using experimental models developed under the current NHMRC grant. These include transfected cell lines with low frataxin expression generated using an expression vector containing anti-sense frataxin cDNA. Further we obtained the frataxin conditional KO mouse and generated a breeding colony. These animals display many of the pathological features of FA and are the best current model of the disease. Indeed, they will be critical for assessing the role of frataxin in Fe metabolism and as a model to test the ability of Fe-binding drugs to prevent the pathology observed. We designed lipid-soluble chelators that can enter the mitochondrion to bind Fe (Biochim Biophys Acta 2001;1536:133-140) and these ligands will be tested to prevent disease progression in the KO mice. This exciting research is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of FA and in creating new therapies.Read moreRead less
A National Population-based Study Of Rheumatic Heart Disease In Pregnancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$877,826.00
Summary
Whilst overall a rare disease, Indigenous peoples have disproportionately high rates of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). This study explores the prevalence and distribution of RHD in pregnancy in Australia and New Zealand. It details current management, diagnostic and referral process and risk factors. Key attributes of culturally safe models of care for RHD in pregnancy are explored, particularly as they relate to Indigenous women. Findings will inform policy, guidelines and education resources.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160101101
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$348,741.00
Summary
Single-Molecule Circuitry for Nanoscale Electronic Devices. The aim of this project is to develop novel methods for forming robust single-molecule circuitry. The use of single molecules in electronics represents the next level of miniaturisation of electronic components, which would enable us to meet the expanding demands of modern technologies and to continue the downscaling trend in electronic devices. This project aims to address the requirements needed to translate single-molecule electronic ....Single-Molecule Circuitry for Nanoscale Electronic Devices. The aim of this project is to develop novel methods for forming robust single-molecule circuitry. The use of single molecules in electronics represents the next level of miniaturisation of electronic components, which would enable us to meet the expanding demands of modern technologies and to continue the downscaling trend in electronic devices. This project aims to address the requirements needed to translate single-molecule electronics from its current status as a fundamental tool to real-world applications. Key approaches will be the use of surface chemistry to develop new methods of wiring single molecules and the integration of robust single-molecule junctions with semiconducting electrodes. The expected project outcomes pave the way for single-molecule electronic and analytical devices.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775637
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,000.00
Summary
An Australian Attosecond Science Facility. The laser facility requested here will provide Australian researchers with the ability to take snapshots of physical and biological processes at unprecedented time resolution. Such a facility will enable Australian researchers to remain competitive and continue to contribute significantly to scientific research on an international scale. The facility will provide excellent training for research higher degree students, preparing them for work in high-tec ....An Australian Attosecond Science Facility. The laser facility requested here will provide Australian researchers with the ability to take snapshots of physical and biological processes at unprecedented time resolution. Such a facility will enable Australian researchers to remain competitive and continue to contribute significantly to scientific research on an international scale. The facility will provide excellent training for research higher degree students, preparing them for work in high-tech industries based on cutting-edge discoveries in physics and biology.Read moreRead less
Development Of Iron Chelators For The Treatment Of Friedreichs Ataxia And The Role Of Frataxin In Iron Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,987.00
Summary
Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is a neuro- and cardio-degenerative disease where there is an accumulation of toxic Fe in the mitochondrion. Excitingly, work from our current NHMRC grant showed iron plays a significant role in FA pathology. Importantly, we developed new drugs (Fe chelators) which rescue the cardiac pathology of FA in an animal model. Studies will now assess if our drugs prevent the neurodegeneration of FA in another animal model. This work could lead to novel therapies for FA.
Improving Health Outcomes In The Tropical North: A Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,997,916.00
Summary
Improving Health Outcomes in the Tropical North will strengthen partnerships with research institutions in the NT, Qld, WA, NSW, Vic and SA, by undertaking a research agenda that will help close the gap in Indigenous health disadvantage, protect the north from emerging infectious threats and engage regional neighbours. We will establish a northern Australian network that incorporates Indigenous engagement, mentoring and knowledge translation, and facilitates collaboration with southern partners.