Investigating a novel factor impacting stem cell development. This project aims to investigate how stem cells are controlled during animal development, by exploring how a specific protein, essential for embryonic development, controls cell fate decisions during the early stages of life. This project expects to generate new knowledge in stem cell biology, embryonic development, and general mechanisms controlling cell fates, using innovative approaches in gene editing and high-throughput imaging. ....Investigating a novel factor impacting stem cell development. This project aims to investigate how stem cells are controlled during animal development, by exploring how a specific protein, essential for embryonic development, controls cell fate decisions during the early stages of life. This project expects to generate new knowledge in stem cell biology, embryonic development, and general mechanisms controlling cell fates, using innovative approaches in gene editing and high-throughput imaging. Expected outcomes of this project include enhanced capacity for fundamental stem cell biology in Australia. This should provide significant benefits, such as training of young Australian researchers in frontier technologies, and new knowledge in fundamental aspects of life, including embryonic development.Read moreRead less
Genetic regulation of avian sex determination. This project aims to enhance our understanding of gonadal sex determination (testis versus ovary development), using innovative genetic approaches that exploit the avian embryo as a model system. The project aims to define the key molecular events regulating gonadal sex determination in birds. It intends to enhance knowledge in the area of cell biology, embryology, and sex determination specifically. Importantly, it will have application to the poul ....Genetic regulation of avian sex determination. This project aims to enhance our understanding of gonadal sex determination (testis versus ovary development), using innovative genetic approaches that exploit the avian embryo as a model system. The project aims to define the key molecular events regulating gonadal sex determination in birds. It intends to enhance knowledge in the area of cell biology, embryology, and sex determination specifically. Importantly, it will have application to the poultry industry. Currently, half of all hatchlings (the undesired sex) are culled. The proposed project intends to illuminate those genetic pathways that can be targeted to produce single-sex lines of birds, a major goal of the multi-billion dollar Australian and global poultry industries.Read moreRead less
How do mammalian germ cells transition from mitosis to meiosis? This project aims to determine how germ cells are regulated in the mammalian embryo. Germ cells go on to form the sperm and eggs and are, therefore, critical for reproduction. In particular, this project expects to generate new knowledge about the process of meiosis, a cellular process that is specific to the germ cells. Expected outcomes will inform efforts to control fertility and infertility in livestock, humans and other mammali ....How do mammalian germ cells transition from mitosis to meiosis? This project aims to determine how germ cells are regulated in the mammalian embryo. Germ cells go on to form the sperm and eggs and are, therefore, critical for reproduction. In particular, this project expects to generate new knowledge about the process of meiosis, a cellular process that is specific to the germ cells. Expected outcomes will inform efforts to control fertility and infertility in livestock, humans and other mammalian animals (e.g. pets and endangered species). They are also likely to inform the discipline of stem cell biology in general.Read moreRead less