Discovery and characterisation of novel spider-venom peptides targeting the human sodium ion channel Nav1.7. Drugs that selectively block the human sodium ion channel Nav1.7 are likely to be powerful analgesics for treating a wide variety of pain conditions. However, it has proved difficult to obtain selective blockers of this channel. The aim of this project is to determine whether spider-venoms might provide a source of highly selective Nav1.7 blockers.
Innovations in peptide-based drug design. This project will aim to develop new types of drugs that fill a gap between existing small molecule drugs, which are relatively inexpensive and stable, but often have side-effects, and biologics which are very expensive and require injection. Our new generation of peptide-based drugs promise to be applicable to diseases that are not treatable by current drugs.
Downsizing proteins to equipotent small molecules that activate cells. The project aims to downsize large, expensive, naturally occurring proteins to small, cheap, synthetic organic compounds engineered to have the same functions. If the methods are generally applicable for different proteins, they could be used to create new pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, flavours, perfumes, catalysts and industrial materials.
Engineering peptides into superglues selective for target proteins. This project aims to discover how to create long-acting peptides for future research tools, drugs, biosensors and diagnostics. Peptides are currently viewed by the general community as injectable performance-enhancing drugs which are difficult to detect because they don't last very long. However, peptides have many potential benefits that are difficult to obtain because of their short durations of action. This project aims to de ....Engineering peptides into superglues selective for target proteins. This project aims to discover how to create long-acting peptides for future research tools, drugs, biosensors and diagnostics. Peptides are currently viewed by the general community as injectable performance-enhancing drugs which are difficult to detect because they don't last very long. However, peptides have many potential benefits that are difficult to obtain because of their short durations of action. This project aims to develop ways of engineering peptide shapes into nanoscale superglues that stick more tightly but selectively to their target proteins, thereby extending their durations of action. Technology for engineering superglues would produce proof of concept and prototypes for future research tools, drugs, diagnostics and biosensors.Read moreRead less
Bioactive Peptides as Pharmacological Tools and Novel Drug Leads. Bioactive peptides are produced by all organisms and play numerous critical physiological roles, including in cellular communication, host defence and capture of prey. Peptides have huge potential as tools for studying roles of signalling pathways and as novel drugs due to their high affinity and selectivity for various therapeutically relevant targets. However their use has been limited by poor in vivo stability. This project is ....Bioactive Peptides as Pharmacological Tools and Novel Drug Leads. Bioactive peptides are produced by all organisms and play numerous critical physiological roles, including in cellular communication, host defence and capture of prey. Peptides have huge potential as tools for studying roles of signalling pathways and as novel drugs due to their high affinity and selectivity for various therapeutically relevant targets. However their use has been limited by poor in vivo stability. This project is focused on studying structural features of a range of peptides and their contributions to both activity and to resistance against degradation, with the aim to develop stabilised bioactive peptide sequences for in vivo applications, allowing the full potential of peptides as drugs to be realised.Read moreRead less
Protein And Peptide Alpha Turns. All life is controlled by the structures and functions of proteins. Major components of proteins are alpha helices that are combinations of alpha turns. Different types of alpha turns exist in proteins but have not been well studied. This project will discover and classify alpha turns in proteins, create the first small molecules that contain alpha turns outside of complex protein environments, and provide a better understanding of their chemical, structural and ....Protein And Peptide Alpha Turns. All life is controlled by the structures and functions of proteins. Major components of proteins are alpha helices that are combinations of alpha turns. Different types of alpha turns exist in proteins but have not been well studied. This project will discover and classify alpha turns in proteins, create the first small molecules that contain alpha turns outside of complex protein environments, and provide a better understanding of their chemical, structural and biological properties. Results will teach scientists important details about protein structure and function, train scientists at a frontier of chemistry-biology research, and may contribute to national priorities by triggering new approaches to medicines and novel materials.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE160100218
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$840,000.00
Summary
A Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility for Modern Molecular Analysis. A nuclear magnetic resonance facility for modern molecular analysis:
This project aims to network a new 500 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer and new consoles for existing instruments with an automated sample changer for a 600 MHz NMR spectrometer. This designed to increase the capacity of Queensland-based researchers to undertake state-of-the-art studies in chemistry, drug design, and materials science. The ne ....A Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility for Modern Molecular Analysis. A nuclear magnetic resonance facility for modern molecular analysis:
This project aims to network a new 500 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer and new consoles for existing instruments with an automated sample changer for a 600 MHz NMR spectrometer. This designed to increase the capacity of Queensland-based researchers to undertake state-of-the-art studies in chemistry, drug design, and materials science. The new knowledge from these studies may lead to the development of new drugs, new crop protection agents and new photovoltaic materials. Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120103152
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Development of next generation drugs against Helicobacter pylori. Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the world and infection by Helicobacter pylori bacteria is the main cause of this disease. The aim of this project is to develop new approaches to treat Helicobacter pylori infection that will give superior results and lower side effects than available therapies.