A new paradigm for surfactant composition and function - how do lungs cope with stress? Our research will increase the understanding of the scope of change and precise molecular interactions occurring in the surfactant lipids and proteins of animals under physiological stress. The novel insights will improve the treatment of lung diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute lung injury). We have formed a team of international surfactant researchers all experts in state-of-th ....A new paradigm for surfactant composition and function - how do lungs cope with stress? Our research will increase the understanding of the scope of change and precise molecular interactions occurring in the surfactant lipids and proteins of animals under physiological stress. The novel insights will improve the treatment of lung diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute lung injury). We have formed a team of international surfactant researchers all experts in state-of-the-art chemical and biophysical technologies relating to surfactant. These collaborations will bring new technological applications to Australia and provide outstanding cross-disciplinary training for postgraduate students and research staff at the interface between animal physiology, biophysical chemistry and respiratory medicine.Read moreRead less
Environmental control of genetic/phenotypic interactions in lung development: An evolutionary perspective. Vertebrate lungs all contain morphologically and functionally similar lung lining cells. However, the cellular arrangement (i.e. lung morphology) and the function of the surfactant these cells produce, differs dramatically between species. Hence, a subset of highly conserved lung-specific genes coincides with spectacular phenotypic diversity. How has this diversity evolved? Do environmental ....Environmental control of genetic/phenotypic interactions in lung development: An evolutionary perspective. Vertebrate lungs all contain morphologically and functionally similar lung lining cells. However, the cellular arrangement (i.e. lung morphology) and the function of the surfactant these cells produce, differs dramatically between species. Hence, a subset of highly conserved lung-specific genes coincides with spectacular phenotypic diversity. How has this diversity evolved? Do environmental conditions, birth strategy or phylogenetic relationships determine lung phenotype? We will experimentally manipulate developing lungs and cells to demonstrate how environmental conditions (temperature, oxygen, lung-fluid regulation and neuro-hormonal input) promote evolutionary processes by altering gene expression, protein/lipid synthesis, cellular differentiation and hence lung morphology/function in animals with different birth strategies.Read moreRead less
Behavioural syndromes and social networks in sleepy lizards. Fauna in Australian ecosystems are threatened by habitat fragmentation, changing environments and the spread of exotic pathogens. To manage these threats we need to understand the behavioural flexibility of wildlife populations. This project focuses on how individual behavioural differences can influence social networks and consequently pathogen transmission. It will help to protect our fauna from invasive diseases and contribute to su ....Behavioural syndromes and social networks in sleepy lizards. Fauna in Australian ecosystems are threatened by habitat fragmentation, changing environments and the spread of exotic pathogens. To manage these threats we need to understand the behavioural flexibility of wildlife populations. This project focuses on how individual behavioural differences can influence social networks and consequently pathogen transmission. It will help to protect our fauna from invasive diseases and contribute to sustaining biodiversity. With better knowledge of how diseases spread we can develop more effective controls of those diseases, thereby protecting wildlife species, animal populations and Australian ecosystems. Read moreRead less
Lizard social networks and the spread of parasites. Australian ecosystems are continually threatened by new epidemics of diseases and parasites, some local, others from overseas. Examples include the facial tumours of Tasmanian devils and the fungus that threatens many native frog species. To manage these epidemics effectively, we must understand how they spread through animal populations. This project will help to protect our fauna from invasive diseases. It contributes to sustaining the biodiv ....Lizard social networks and the spread of parasites. Australian ecosystems are continually threatened by new epidemics of diseases and parasites, some local, others from overseas. Examples include the facial tumours of Tasmanian devils and the fungus that threatens many native frog species. To manage these epidemics effectively, we must understand how they spread through animal populations. This project will help to protect our fauna from invasive diseases. It contributes to sustaining the biodiversity of the country. With better knowledge of how diseases of wildlife spread, we can develop more effective control of those diseases thereby protecting wildlife species, animal populations and, ultimately, Australian ecosystems.Read moreRead less