Mitochondrially targeted anti-cancer drugs modulate the mitochondrial genome. Successful cancer management requires novel therapeutical approaches. This project will test the effect of a new class of compounds that target mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cells, where they suppress expression of mitochondrial genes. By this mechanism, cancers that are resistant to apoptosis induction can be inhibited.
A new Src, PKCdelta and Akt regulated protease activated receptor system in metastasis. In contrast with localised cancer which can often be cured, curative treatment is generally not possible for cancer that has spread. This project will characterise a protein that drives the spread of cancer and to develop new approaches to treat patients at risk of developing these aggressive tumours that spread to other organs.
Heparan sulphate mimetics: Versatile tools for chemical biology. This project aims to develop chemical tools to study heparan sulphate-binding proteins. Heparan sulphate is a complex polysaccharide that is ubiquitously expressed on mammalian cells and interacts with proteins to mediate numerous biological and pathological functions. These interactions are poorly understood. This project will use homogeneous, structurally defined compounds to study heparan sulphate and its binding partners in bio ....Heparan sulphate mimetics: Versatile tools for chemical biology. This project aims to develop chemical tools to study heparan sulphate-binding proteins. Heparan sulphate is a complex polysaccharide that is ubiquitously expressed on mammalian cells and interacts with proteins to mediate numerous biological and pathological functions. These interactions are poorly understood. This project will use homogeneous, structurally defined compounds to study heparan sulphate and its binding partners in biology. This is expected to lead to a better, molecular-level understanding of these fundamental processes, and may have future applications in biotechnology and drug development.Read moreRead less
Chemical proteomics: proteomics with no detection limit. Half of all drugs are derived from natural products, yet little is known about how most achieve their therapeutic action. This project aims to develop a methodology to rapidly uncover drug-protein interactions and pave the way for faster drug development and a better understanding of drug action.
EGFR-directed radioimmunotherapy combined with chemotherapy and DNA repair inhibition: development towards clinical application for aggressive cancers. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are aggressive diseases which lack effective therapies in clinical use. A novel and curative therapy was developed against PDAC and TNBC which involves targeted radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and DNA damage response inhibition. This project will develop a “p ....EGFR-directed radioimmunotherapy combined with chemotherapy and DNA repair inhibition: development towards clinical application for aggressive cancers. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are aggressive diseases which lack effective therapies in clinical use. A novel and curative therapy was developed against PDAC and TNBC which involves targeted radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and DNA damage response inhibition. This project will develop a “preclinical data package” comprising a biological rationale and preclinical evidence of safety and efficacy that together would justify an early phase clinical trial. This package includes the choice of formulations, mechanism of action and safety studies. This development will have an immediate impact for PDAC and TNBC patients and a future impact on other EGFR-positive cancers.Read moreRead less
Novel collision experiments with metastable neon atoms in an atom trap. The aim of this project is to investigate collisions involving atoms in long lived excited states (metastable states). The project will utilise a magneto-optical trap to investigate electron-atom collisions as well as interatomic collisions for ultra-cold atoms. The outcomes of such investigations extend scientific knowledge of these important processes as a well as provide data for testing fundamental scattering theories. T ....Novel collision experiments with metastable neon atoms in an atom trap. The aim of this project is to investigate collisions involving atoms in long lived excited states (metastable states). The project will utilise a magneto-optical trap to investigate electron-atom collisions as well as interatomic collisions for ultra-cold atoms. The outcomes of such investigations extend scientific knowledge of these important processes as a well as provide data for testing fundamental scattering theories. This scientific knowledge may lead to further technological advances such as more efficient light sources or a metastable-atom laser that could be used for the production of nano-scale electric circuits.Read moreRead less
Dynamics and correlations of many-body systems. The proposed program will greatly enhance Australian science through linking innovative
theoretical techniques with the successful ongoing Australian experimental program in atom
lasers, atom chip interferometry and ultra-cold fermions. Pioneering theoretical methods in
quantum phase-space are internationally recognized, and will be extended into new areas relevant
to Australia. These have fundamental significance to fields ranging from nanotec ....Dynamics and correlations of many-body systems. The proposed program will greatly enhance Australian science through linking innovative
theoretical techniques with the successful ongoing Australian experimental program in atom
lasers, atom chip interferometry and ultra-cold fermions. Pioneering theoretical methods in
quantum phase-space are internationally recognized, and will be extended into new areas relevant
to Australia. These have fundamental significance to fields ranging from nanotechnology to
astrophysics, as well as providing a route to improved atomic clocks and other instruments.
Combining these theoretical and computational methods from the physical sciences with biology
and genetics will provide future cross-disciplinary benefits to Australian biomedical science.Read moreRead less
A Photonic Interconnect for Trapped Ion Quantum Computing. Computer networks are the foundation of our digital economy. Quantum computing offer revolutionary solutions to current limitations by taking advantage of quantum physics. Methods for factoring large numbers or searching unordered databases run with significantly fewer operations on quantum computers. Quantum encryption offers completely secure communication. There have been small-scale demonstrations of these technologies, and clear roa ....A Photonic Interconnect for Trapped Ion Quantum Computing. Computer networks are the foundation of our digital economy. Quantum computing offer revolutionary solutions to current limitations by taking advantage of quantum physics. Methods for factoring large numbers or searching unordered databases run with significantly fewer operations on quantum computers. Quantum encryption offers completely secure communication. There have been small-scale demonstrations of these technologies, and clear roadmaps exist for large-scale implementations. We will advance the state of the art by interconnecting light based quantum communication and trapped ion quantum computing together with phase Fresnel lenses, a micro-fabricated optic similar to a computer generated holographic plate.Read moreRead less
Attosecond physics with ultra cold metastable neon. This research will generate new knowledge about how atoms behave when they are placed in strong optical fields. One of the phenomena which can be observed in these systems is the production of extreme ultraviolet radiation. This radiation has potential applications in areas as diverse as precision spectroscopy and structural biology. The research will use the recently ARC funded, state-of-the-art short pulse laser facility, ultra-cold atom trap ....Attosecond physics with ultra cold metastable neon. This research will generate new knowledge about how atoms behave when they are placed in strong optical fields. One of the phenomena which can be observed in these systems is the production of extreme ultraviolet radiation. This radiation has potential applications in areas as diverse as precision spectroscopy and structural biology. The research will use the recently ARC funded, state-of-the-art short pulse laser facility, ultra-cold atom trap technology and will provide excellent research training opportunities for higher degree students. The outcomes of the research project will enable Australian researchers to make significant contributions to the exciting field of attosecond science which is still in its infancy.
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Low-energy electron transport in soft-condensed biological matter. To obtain optimal accuracy and selectivity of ionising radiation based technologies requires an understanding and quantification of the underpinning fundamental physical processes. This project will focus on developing accurate theoretical models of low-energy electron transport in biological matter which account for new physical mechanisms.