Reprogramming Innate Immunity To Combat Inflammatory And Infectious Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,788,220.00
Summary
Our immune system protects us from infection, but also drives cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and many other conditions. Innate immunity, a key component of our immune system, mediates the pathology that is associated with these diseases. This research program aims to define innate immune mechanisms that combat infection and/or drive inflammation-mediated diseases. It also aims to deliver novel anti-infective and anti-inflammatory strategies.
Sulfoxide Polymers - A New Paradigm in Polymer Design. Low fouling polymers are important for moderating interactions of molecules and particles with cells. In pharmaceutical sciences they are essential tools for extending the pharmacokinetics of dissolved drugs. However, the widely-used low-fouling polymer, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has been recently reported to induce formation of anti-PEG antibodies. Polymeric alternatives to PEG are thus desperately needed. We introduce in this project sup ....Sulfoxide Polymers - A New Paradigm in Polymer Design. Low fouling polymers are important for moderating interactions of molecules and particles with cells. In pharmaceutical sciences they are essential tools for extending the pharmacokinetics of dissolved drugs. However, the widely-used low-fouling polymer, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has been recently reported to induce formation of anti-PEG antibodies. Polymeric alternatives to PEG are thus desperately needed. We introduce in this project super-hydrophilic polymers incorporating sulfoxide groups, mimics of the polar solvent DMSO. The project aims to explore how polymer architecture can enhance biocompatibility and reduce biofouling. The outcome will be a new class of low-fouling polymeric materials with broad application in the biosciences.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE210100148
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,350,000.00
Summary
Advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Technologies for Southeast Queensland. This project aims to establish an advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance capability and capacity at two of Queenslands' leading research intensive universities. The project expects to enhance the scope and productivity of hundreds of research projects spanning natural products, synthetic, medicinal, materials and environmental science. Expected outcomes include smarter science, more productive collaborations and superior res ....Advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Technologies for Southeast Queensland. This project aims to establish an advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance capability and capacity at two of Queenslands' leading research intensive universities. The project expects to enhance the scope and productivity of hundreds of research projects spanning natural products, synthetic, medicinal, materials and environmental science. Expected outcomes include smarter science, more productive collaborations and superior research training, leading to innovative solutions to challenging problems that confront science and society. This investment should provide significant benefits in the form of new knowledge across multiple disciplines, informing the design of future medicines, agrochemicals, materials and other products.
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Barriers and pathways to development of Indigenous traditional medicines. This project aims to explore how Australian regulatory systems can better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Knowledge (TK) holders to commercialise their traditional medicines. Focusing on the mudjala plant and working with the Kimberley’s Nyikina people, the project should generate new anthropological methods for documenting TK related to traditional medicine, new models for regulating traditional ....Barriers and pathways to development of Indigenous traditional medicines. This project aims to explore how Australian regulatory systems can better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Knowledge (TK) holders to commercialise their traditional medicines. Focusing on the mudjala plant and working with the Kimberley’s Nyikina people, the project should generate new anthropological methods for documenting TK related to traditional medicine, new models for regulating traditional medicinal products, and pharmacological insights into traditional methods of activating the plant. Additional expected outcomes include unlocking the significant, untapped potential for Indigenous Australians to benefit from the development of traditional medicine products regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.Read moreRead less
Chemical-biology approaches to pathway selective adenosine receptor ligands. This project aims to develop new chemical-biology tools and approaches for selectively targeting signalling pathways mediated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). GPCRs are an important family of cell surface signalling proteins that are responsible for the regulation of numerous vital physiological functions. The A1 adenosine receptor is an important model and therapeutically relevant GPCR that will be the focus of t ....Chemical-biology approaches to pathway selective adenosine receptor ligands. This project aims to develop new chemical-biology tools and approaches for selectively targeting signalling pathways mediated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). GPCRs are an important family of cell surface signalling proteins that are responsible for the regulation of numerous vital physiological functions. The A1 adenosine receptor is an important model and therapeutically relevant GPCR that will be the focus of this project. Compounds known as bitopic ligands, which can interact with distinct binding sites (termed orthosteric and allosteric sites), will be explored as pathway selective agents capable of activating the signalling pathways mediating the desired effect in preference to those producing adverse effects. Longer-term benefits include the identification of bioactive compounds with more selective modes of action and improved safety profiles.Read moreRead less
Unlocking the genetic and biochemical potential of kangaroo paws. Using cutting-edge gene technology and an interdisciplinary approach, this project aims to uncover the genes responsible for flower colour in the iconic kangaroo paws of Western Australia, and identify the compounds that produce the colours. The project expects to produce the first entire kangaroo paw genome and identify unique genetic variants and biochemicals underlying colour differences. This new knowledge should help horticul ....Unlocking the genetic and biochemical potential of kangaroo paws. Using cutting-edge gene technology and an interdisciplinary approach, this project aims to uncover the genes responsible for flower colour in the iconic kangaroo paws of Western Australia, and identify the compounds that produce the colours. The project expects to produce the first entire kangaroo paw genome and identify unique genetic variants and biochemicals underlying colour differences. This new knowledge should help horticultural programs to more easily breed varieties with desirable and highly marketable new colours, and could assist in conserving these amazing Australian plants.Read moreRead less
Aquatic chemo-modulators: a novel source for potent molecular probes. This project aims to investigate peptides that modulate prey behaviour. Chemical signalling constitutes much of the language of life underwater. Certain cone snails evolved a hunting strategy, where they release potent peptides to modulate fish behaviour through yet unknown mechanisms. The snail then expands its mouth and eats the fish without resistance. This project will investigate the mechanisms at play using transcriptomi ....Aquatic chemo-modulators: a novel source for potent molecular probes. This project aims to investigate peptides that modulate prey behaviour. Chemical signalling constitutes much of the language of life underwater. Certain cone snails evolved a hunting strategy, where they release potent peptides to modulate fish behaviour through yet unknown mechanisms. The snail then expands its mouth and eats the fish without resistance. This project will investigate the mechanisms at play using transcriptomics, proteomics, peptide synthesis, behavioural pharmacology and nuclear magnetic resonance. This will advance the knowledge of aquatic chemo-modulators on a functional, structural and evolutionary level, and provide a source of molecular probes with unique pharmacology and applications in human physiology, developmental biology and aquacultures.Read moreRead less