Molecular Mechanisms of Biochemical Regulation: Neutron and X-ray Scattering Studies. This project will develop and use novel neutron and x-ray scattering methods to study the molecular mechanisms by which nature regulates biochemical processes. Healthy function requires cells to tightly control and coordinate a myriad of molecular activities. My research focuses on a set of interdependent molecular networks inside cells whose behavior is controlled by the so-called 'second messengers' that tr ....Molecular Mechanisms of Biochemical Regulation: Neutron and X-ray Scattering Studies. This project will develop and use novel neutron and x-ray scattering methods to study the molecular mechanisms by which nature regulates biochemical processes. Healthy function requires cells to tightly control and coordinate a myriad of molecular activities. My research focuses on a set of interdependent molecular networks inside cells whose behavior is controlled by the so-called 'second messengers' that translate external signals into the right cellular responses. The proposed experiments will provide a unique structural framework by which we can understand how these signals are transmitted. Such knowledge is an important foundation for advances in biomedical research and biotechnology applications.Read moreRead less
Molecular mechanisms of two-component signal transduction in bacteria. The focus of this research is on the protein complexes that transmit signals in bacteria to elicit the desired responses to environmental stimuli. Like many dynamic processes in cells, signaling requires proteins that are flexible and hence resistant to high-resolution structural analysis using crystallography. We will make use of new research infrastructure at the Australian synchrotron and OPAL research reactor to overcom ....Molecular mechanisms of two-component signal transduction in bacteria. The focus of this research is on the protein complexes that transmit signals in bacteria to elicit the desired responses to environmental stimuli. Like many dynamic processes in cells, signaling requires proteins that are flexible and hence resistant to high-resolution structural analysis using crystallography. We will make use of new research infrastructure at the Australian synchrotron and OPAL research reactor to overcome the challenges of flexibility in these systems. The proteins we will study are not found in humans, and hence our research will provide important structural data on potential targets for the design of novel antibiotics to fight bacterial infection.Read moreRead less
High throughput engineering of genetically encodable fluorescent sensors of intracellular signalling networks. Understanding of biochemical processes in living organisms is central to biological research and drug discovery. At present, the field suffers from a chronic paucity of adequate observation methods. The proposed project represents an interdisciplinary effort to create approaches for real-time monitoring of complex cellular chemistries. This work will deliver novel technologies for use i ....High throughput engineering of genetically encodable fluorescent sensors of intracellular signalling networks. Understanding of biochemical processes in living organisms is central to biological research and drug discovery. At present, the field suffers from a chronic paucity of adequate observation methods. The proposed project represents an interdisciplinary effort to create approaches for real-time monitoring of complex cellular chemistries. This work will deliver novel technologies for use in diagnostics and drug development. It will provide vital information on the changes in cellular processes induced by malignant transformation, viral infection and aging. This work will generate both health and economic benefits for the community and have a positive impact on the international visibility of Australian biomedical research.Read moreRead less