Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL170100008
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,248,822.00
Summary
Genes, reproduction and inheritance in a microbe. The project aims to particularly explore sexual gene inheritance in Plasmodium, a representative of a large group of human and animal parasites. Plasmodium must have a sexual exchange of genes in the mosquito for the transfer of disease to a new host. This project will investigate the fate and behaviour of Plasmodium genes during reproduction; the differing chromosome states resulting from sexual genetic processes and the asymmetrical inheritance ....Genes, reproduction and inheritance in a microbe. The project aims to particularly explore sexual gene inheritance in Plasmodium, a representative of a large group of human and animal parasites. Plasmodium must have a sexual exchange of genes in the mosquito for the transfer of disease to a new host. This project will investigate the fate and behaviour of Plasmodium genes during reproduction; the differing chromosome states resulting from sexual genetic processes and the asymmetrical inheritance of some Plasmodium genes. The project is expected to advance Australia’s ability to understand the reproduction and survival of these parasites in their mosquito vector and develop cutting-edge genetic tools that will advance the microbial genetics discipline globally. This may ultimately lead to biotechnology and biomedical outcomes.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL210100258
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,331,707.00
Summary
Understanding how bacteria adapt and function in the complex gut ecosystem. This project aims to investigate the role of the gut ecosystem in defining the structure and function of microbes. Given that one of the current challenges in microbiology is our inability to study individual microbes directly from complex, multi-microbial niches, this project aims to develop multidisciplinary methods to study microbes in their native state, to understand how they adapt to live in the gut. This understan ....Understanding how bacteria adapt and function in the complex gut ecosystem. This project aims to investigate the role of the gut ecosystem in defining the structure and function of microbes. Given that one of the current challenges in microbiology is our inability to study individual microbes directly from complex, multi-microbial niches, this project aims to develop multidisciplinary methods to study microbes in their native state, to understand how they adapt to live in the gut. This understanding should provide fundamental insights into adaptation mechanisms that lead to bacterial proliferation, disease and antibiotic resistance. As well as enhancing interdisciplinary collaborations, this work should provide economic benefits by contributing to improved gut health of animals, and more efficient food production.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL190100134
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,010,635.00
Summary
Sexual conflict and evolutionary dynamics of insecticide resistance genes. This project aims to develop new approaches to mitigate resistance evolution by applying sexual selection theory to predict evolution of insecticide resistance in flies. A key assumption of current agriculture management strategies is that resistance carries fecundity or survival costs, but this is rarely demonstrated, especially in nature. Not all resistance mutations are novel; many represent pre-existing variants maint ....Sexual conflict and evolutionary dynamics of insecticide resistance genes. This project aims to develop new approaches to mitigate resistance evolution by applying sexual selection theory to predict evolution of insecticide resistance in flies. A key assumption of current agriculture management strategies is that resistance carries fecundity or survival costs, but this is rarely demonstrated, especially in nature. Not all resistance mutations are novel; many represent pre-existing variants maintained by balancing selection i.e. opposing effects in males and females, or by environmental fluctuations. This research will provide new insight into how resistance evolves and is maintained in natural populations and may result in potential reduction in pesticide use with associated economic and biodiversity benefits. Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL180100019
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,906,976.00
Summary
An in situ structural study of Drosophila embryonic patterning. This project aims to develop and deploy an in situ structural biology approach, which enables direct visualisation of large macromolecular structures in cells, to be used in combination with molecular genetics, proteomics and computational biology. In situ structural biology has the potential to revolutionise discovery across life science, providing direct insight into macromolecular structure and function. This project will establi ....An in situ structural study of Drosophila embryonic patterning. This project aims to develop and deploy an in situ structural biology approach, which enables direct visualisation of large macromolecular structures in cells, to be used in combination with molecular genetics, proteomics and computational biology. In situ structural biology has the potential to revolutionise discovery across life science, providing direct insight into macromolecular structure and function. This project will establish the field of in situ structural biology in Australia by studying how a model organism, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster controls the development of how the head and tail of the embryo are specified. The project will further develop new instrumentation and approaches that will bring in situ biology to the wider scientific community.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL100100066
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,523,582.00
Summary
New approaches for pest control and maintaining healthy environments under climate change. Natural environments are rapidly changing due to climate and human population pressure, affecting food supply and natural heritage. Insects and other invertebrates perform essential services like pollination, pest control and soil turnover, and provide food for wildlife. These services are under threat, and ways of maintaining them and protecting biodiversity need to be developed. This project will identif ....New approaches for pest control and maintaining healthy environments under climate change. Natural environments are rapidly changing due to climate and human population pressure, affecting food supply and natural heritage. Insects and other invertebrates perform essential services like pollination, pest control and soil turnover, and provide food for wildlife. These services are under threat, and ways of maintaining them and protecting biodiversity need to be developed. This project will identify the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms that insects use to deal with environmental changes and the processes that promote evolutionary resilience to safeguard environmental services. This should lead to guidelines for sustainable agricultural production and biodiversity protection in threatened environments like the Australian Alps.Read moreRead less