Revealing How Transcription Factors Search The DNA To Control Preimplantation Development In Mammals
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,251.00
Summary
The development of mammalian embryos relies on proteins that bind to DNA to activate different genes. While several proteins regulating genes during embryonic development have been identified, it remains unknown how these proteins find their specific DNA targets. We will apply new non-invasive methods to analyse the movement of DNA–binding proteins in intact mouse embryos undergoing normal development, and will determine the molecular mechanisms that control DNA–protein interactions.
Mechanisms Regulating Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Permeabilisation During Programmed Cell Death
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$306,562.00
Summary
Apoptosis is a form of cell suicide that is vital in human development and health by removing damaged or unwanted cells in a regulated manner. Disturbances in this pathway are known to be the cause of cancers and other diseases. This research will investigate how the pivotal step in cell death, termed mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilisation (MOMP) is regulated.
Regulation Of Mesenchymal To Epithelial Transitions By Netrin Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$646,995.00
Summary
The formation of 2D cellular sheets is important during development, tissue repair, and tumor growth. The mechanisms involved, however, remain largely unknown. Recent findings in the fly and in human cells suggest Frazzled/Neogenin receptors drive this process, by establishing polarised scaffolds in the cell. We will test this hypothesis using fly genetics and analysis of 3-dimensional culture of mammalian cells. Our results will help guide future therapies for human disease.
Molecular Characterisation Of A New Survival Pathway In Haematopoietic Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$571,631.00
Summary
It is critical for normal health that cells regulate their responses to changes in the the extracellular environment. Receptors on the cell surface are triggered by specific proteins called cytokines, and relay information to the cell interior. These messages include signaling whether cells should survive and proliferate. Inappropriate activation of signals for survival and proliferation is a hallmark of cancer. We are investigating a new survival signal and how this contributes to the survival ....It is critical for normal health that cells regulate their responses to changes in the the extracellular environment. Receptors on the cell surface are triggered by specific proteins called cytokines, and relay information to the cell interior. These messages include signaling whether cells should survive and proliferate. Inappropriate activation of signals for survival and proliferation is a hallmark of cancer. We are investigating a new survival signal and how this contributes to the survival of normal cells and to diseases such as leukaemia.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100090
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,000.00
Summary
Three-dimensional cryo electron microscopy facility. The three-dimensional cryo-electron microscopy facility will let us visualise plants, pathogens and nanomachines with resolution not previously possible allowing us to see into cells and diseases with vastly more detail. Our world-class experts will provide regional and national researchers access to cutting-edge technology complementary to the Australian Synchrotron.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120100794
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Revealing dynamic mechanisms controlling pluripotency in mammalian stem cells and embryos. Every cell of our mature bodies originates from 'pluripotent' cells present in the early mammalian embryo. These cells can be captured and grown in plastic dishes. The project will use imaging methods to reveal how gene regulatory molecules control pluripotent cells in the embryo and in culture.
Apo2L/TRAIL Killing Of Tumour Cells And The Role Of Inhibitor Of Apoptosis Proteins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,321.00
Summary
Melanomas and Gliomas are tumour types that respond poorly to current treatments. Current treatments are not only sometimes ineffective, but also unpleasant and may cause co-lateral damage. We will test 2 new targetted anti-cancer treatments, that so far appear to have minor side effects in small animal models, on these difficult to treat tumour types to see if and how they kill them. We also want to know whether these independent treatments can work together to kill tumours more effectively. Al ....Melanomas and Gliomas are tumour types that respond poorly to current treatments. Current treatments are not only sometimes ineffective, but also unpleasant and may cause co-lateral damage. We will test 2 new targetted anti-cancer treatments, that so far appear to have minor side effects in small animal models, on these difficult to treat tumour types to see if and how they kill them. We also want to know whether these independent treatments can work together to kill tumours more effectively. Although we will not personally test these drugs in clinical settings, these drugs or similar are currently in preclinical and clinical trials. This means that understanding how these drugs function is of paramount importance and may result in better clinical trials and possibly more rapid acceptance of the use of these drugs in patients.Read moreRead less
Making muscle: molecular dissection of membrane domain formation. For a muscle to contract efficiently in response to an electrical signal it requires the formation of an extensive system of hollow membranous tubules through which the signal can be propagated. This proposal addresses the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of this tubule system in skeletal muscle. This project will develop cell biology in a whole organism rather than a cell culture system and provide a new framework f ....Making muscle: molecular dissection of membrane domain formation. For a muscle to contract efficiently in response to an electrical signal it requires the formation of an extensive system of hollow membranous tubules through which the signal can be propagated. This proposal addresses the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of this tubule system in skeletal muscle. This project will develop cell biology in a whole organism rather than a cell culture system and provide a new framework for Australian and international cell biologists. It will generate new knowledge, train young Australian scientists, help build international collaborative networks and engage the public outside the research community.Read moreRead less