Fish venom as a model system for the molecular evolution of defensive toxins. The key aim of this study is to undertake a thorough investigation of venoms found in distinct fish lineages, including enigmatic species such as venomous and medically important species such as the stonefish. By characterising the biodiversity of toxins found in the venoms of different fish, the evolutionary history of venom in this major vertebrate lineage can be revealed. The investigations proposed here will also d ....Fish venom as a model system for the molecular evolution of defensive toxins. The key aim of this study is to undertake a thorough investigation of venoms found in distinct fish lineages, including enigmatic species such as venomous and medically important species such as the stonefish. By characterising the biodiversity of toxins found in the venoms of different fish, the evolutionary history of venom in this major vertebrate lineage can be revealed. The investigations proposed here will also determine the functional activities of different venoms and their components. This will not only help the understanding of the medical consequences of the annual thousands of fish envenomings but also explore a largely unstudied resource for the discovery of new pharmacological diagnostics and therapeutics.Read moreRead less
Evolutionary venomics: Venom system diversification in the animal kingdom. This proposal represents a tremendous opportunity for biodiscovery from the Australian toxic fauna. This will be achieved through the researcher's unique approach of investigating previously unmapped venom systems for divergent, bioactive proteins. An understanding of venomous animal protein evolution has practical implications for the treatment of envenomations - an enormous problem in Australia - as well as great pot ....Evolutionary venomics: Venom system diversification in the animal kingdom. This proposal represents a tremendous opportunity for biodiscovery from the Australian toxic fauna. This will be achieved through the researcher's unique approach of investigating previously unmapped venom systems for divergent, bioactive proteins. An understanding of venomous animal protein evolution has practical implications for the treatment of envenomations - an enormous problem in Australia - as well as great potential in drug discovery and other commercial applications. This project will provide Australian graduate and post-graduate students with finely tuned skills in cutting edge methodological techniques and a fluent understanding of molecular evolution, preparing them to be internationally competitive scientists.Read moreRead less
Pre-clinical evaluation of snake venom proteins with therapeutic potential. Australia harbors some of the most toxic snakes in the world. Their venoms contain a range of substances that are designed to rapidly immobilize and kill their prey. These include agents that lead to enhanced blood clotting; excess bleeding. We have isolated and characterized a large number of the components involved over the last several years. The aim here is to carry out pre-clinical trials in animal models to test th ....Pre-clinical evaluation of snake venom proteins with therapeutic potential. Australia harbors some of the most toxic snakes in the world. Their venoms contain a range of substances that are designed to rapidly immobilize and kill their prey. These include agents that lead to enhanced blood clotting; excess bleeding. We have isolated and characterized a large number of the components involved over the last several years. The aim here is to carry out pre-clinical trials in animal models to test the efficacy of three proteins as anti-bleeding agents and investigate several other novel components. The ultimate outcome will be the development of novel drugs that will have application in the treatment of human disorders. Read moreRead less