Investigation of the mechanisms underlying successful placentation. The overall aim of this project is to provide novel insights into the basic cellular processes that underpin placental development and to improve our ability to manipulate mammalian reproduction, both human and animal. The placenta is critical for intrauterine development because it determines the level of nutrition, oxygenation and maternal tolerance to the developing foetus. The project intends to explore the role of prorenin ....Investigation of the mechanisms underlying successful placentation. The overall aim of this project is to provide novel insights into the basic cellular processes that underpin placental development and to improve our ability to manipulate mammalian reproduction, both human and animal. The placenta is critical for intrauterine development because it determines the level of nutrition, oxygenation and maternal tolerance to the developing foetus. The project intends to explore the role of prorenin and its receptor as a novel mechanism driving placentation. Applications for expected project outcomes may include improved breeding of threatened animal species and economically valuable domestic animals as well as improved health care and fertility control for domesticated pets and feral animals. Read moreRead less
Novel models to advance our understanding of mammalian development. This project aims to add to the understanding of cellular processes underpinning mammalian development. Protein phosphorylation is a dynamic process regulated by both protein kinases and protein phosphatases. While the role of kinases in cellular functions are well defined, the roles of protein phosphatases are not well understood. Using a range of laboratory models this project aims to discover the function of the phosphatase P ....Novel models to advance our understanding of mammalian development. This project aims to add to the understanding of cellular processes underpinning mammalian development. Protein phosphorylation is a dynamic process regulated by both protein kinases and protein phosphatases. While the role of kinases in cellular functions are well defined, the roles of protein phosphatases are not well understood. Using a range of laboratory models this project aims to discover the function of the phosphatase PP2A, in cell proliferation, survival, differentiation and DNA damage repair. The anticipated outcome is an improved understanding of all stages of mammalian development. This will provide significant benefits in the biotechnology, chemical and pharmaceutical industries.Read moreRead less
Explicit methods in number theory: Computation, theory and application. This project aims to use explicit estimates to unify three problems in number theory: primitive roots, Diophantine quintuples, and linear independence of zeroes of the Riemann zeta-function. It will use computational and analytic number theory to reduce the quintuples problem to a soluble level. Pursuing relations between the zeta zeroes will overhaul many current results. This project will apply its findings about primitive ....Explicit methods in number theory: Computation, theory and application. This project aims to use explicit estimates to unify three problems in number theory: primitive roots, Diophantine quintuples, and linear independence of zeroes of the Riemann zeta-function. It will use computational and analytic number theory to reduce the quintuples problem to a soluble level. Pursuing relations between the zeta zeroes will overhaul many current results. This project will apply its findings about primitive roots to signal processing, cryptography and cybersecurity.Read moreRead less
Determination of cellular mechanisms underpinning cancer cell metastasis through integrated in vivo imaging approaches. Understanding key steps that drive the spread of cancer is critical to improve current treatment strategies. Using cutting-edge imaging technology and in vivo model systems that mimic the disease, this project will pinpoint key events that are susceptible to drug intervention and identify new therapeutic targets.