Nicotinic receptor structure and function probed with conotoxins. Nicotinic receptors are intrinsic membrane proteins that play a role in communication in excitable cells, particularly in the nervous system. The primary goals of this project are to define the structural and functional determinants of nicotinic-conotoxin interactions at a molecular level, and develop new selective probes that advance neurophysiological research. The diversity and distribution of nicotinic receptor subtypes being ....Nicotinic receptor structure and function probed with conotoxins. Nicotinic receptors are intrinsic membrane proteins that play a role in communication in excitable cells, particularly in the nervous system. The primary goals of this project are to define the structural and functional determinants of nicotinic-conotoxin interactions at a molecular level, and develop new selective probes that advance neurophysiological research. The diversity and distribution of nicotinic receptor subtypes being uncovered through molecular biology and selective conotoxin probes presents an exciting opportunity for the discovery of new therapeutic agents.Read moreRead less
Understanding sub-cellular systems at the atomic level. By extending the range of biomolecular systems that can be modelled computationally at the atomic level the project will enable important biomedical processes such as how bacterial toxins penetrate cell membranes and how protein hormones transmit signals into cells to be understood in unprecedented detail.
Toxins from Down Under: Novel tools to understand and modulate ion channels. Venoms are complex secretions containing biologically active components that have evolved over millions of years to specifically target the nervous systems of predators and prey. Two novel classes of toxins from snake and plant venoms that act on voltage-gated sodium channels, key proteins that regulate neuronal excitability, were recently identified by the research team. The project aims to develop and apply state-of-t ....Toxins from Down Under: Novel tools to understand and modulate ion channels. Venoms are complex secretions containing biologically active components that have evolved over millions of years to specifically target the nervous systems of predators and prey. Two novel classes of toxins from snake and plant venoms that act on voltage-gated sodium channels, key proteins that regulate neuronal excitability, were recently identified by the research team. The project aims to develop and apply state-of-the-art chemical, structural and biological techniques to unravel the molecular mechanisms through which these novel toxin classes act at their targets. Insights gained from this project will help identify and develop novel channel-modulating molecules that may have applications as neuroscience tools, diagnostics or drugs.Read moreRead less
The potential of membranes – peptide engineering to modulate ion channels. This project aims to develop a platform technology to identify new and selective sodium channel inhibitors based on ultra-stable venom peptides that can interact with and cross membranes. Sodium channels are involved in almost all aspects of human physiology. The ability to selectively inhibit individual sodium channel subtypes and to understand what drives peptides' ability to cross membranes would be a major achievement ....The potential of membranes – peptide engineering to modulate ion channels. This project aims to develop a platform technology to identify new and selective sodium channel inhibitors based on ultra-stable venom peptides that can interact with and cross membranes. Sodium channels are involved in almost all aspects of human physiology. The ability to selectively inhibit individual sodium channel subtypes and to understand what drives peptides' ability to cross membranes would be a major achievement and lead to new neuroscience research tools and technologies. This project’s proposed technology could be translated into new knowledge relevant to the biotechnology industry.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150100784
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$373,254.00
Summary
Molecular probe development for the oxytocin and vasopressin receptors. The oxytocin and vasopressin receptors are part of a 600 million year old signalling system that is widely distributed in the kingdom of life. It is involved in many fundamental physiological functions, however we still lack a complete toolbox of selective probes to delineate the individual receptor subtypes. This project aims to introduce a novel and innovative strategy that uses state-of-the art discovery techniques to ide ....Molecular probe development for the oxytocin and vasopressin receptors. The oxytocin and vasopressin receptors are part of a 600 million year old signalling system that is widely distributed in the kingdom of life. It is involved in many fundamental physiological functions, however we still lack a complete toolbox of selective probes to delineate the individual receptor subtypes. This project aims to introduce a novel and innovative strategy that uses state-of-the art discovery techniques to identify selective ligands in nature. Leads will be developed into molecular probes to facilitate in-depth studies of this system. This strategy is applicable to other systems and the outcomes will contribute to a significant advancement of knowledge in chemical biology.Read moreRead less
Making peptides orally bioavailable. Bioactive peptides are exceptionally useful molecules, however to fully realise their exciting applications key limitations need to be overcome: they can't be delivered orally and they do not last long in the body. This project aims to develop a molecular tag that can dramatically enhance both the oral absorption and time in the body of a peptide. This will include identifying the key elements of the tag required for function, the breadth of peptide cargoes i ....Making peptides orally bioavailable. Bioactive peptides are exceptionally useful molecules, however to fully realise their exciting applications key limitations need to be overcome: they can't be delivered orally and they do not last long in the body. This project aims to develop a molecular tag that can dramatically enhance both the oral absorption and time in the body of a peptide. This will include identifying the key elements of the tag required for function, the breadth of peptide cargoes it can be applied to and the mechanisms underlying this technology. The outcomes of this project will facilitate the future development of peptides for biotechnology, pharmaceutical and veterinary applications.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100128
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$237,000.00
Summary
Overcoming membrane protein research roadblocks: A Queensland facility for membrane protein production and crystallisation. Many drugs target specialised molecules called membrane proteins that reside at the interface between cells and the cells' environment. This membrane protein production facility will address significant challenges in the production and analysis of membrane proteins, which will enable a better understanding of how they function and provide a platform for the design of new an ....Overcoming membrane protein research roadblocks: A Queensland facility for membrane protein production and crystallisation. Many drugs target specialised molecules called membrane proteins that reside at the interface between cells and the cells' environment. This membrane protein production facility will address significant challenges in the production and analysis of membrane proteins, which will enable a better understanding of how they function and provide a platform for the design of new and better drugs. Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE180100066
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,311.00
Summary
Electrophysiology facility for cell phenotyping and drug discovery. This project aims to establish a high-throughput, automated patch clamp facility to enable research at the forefront of cell phenotyping and drug discovery. Ion channels are membrane proteins that underlie cell function and are therefore important drug targets. The patch clamp technique is the most powerful tool available to functionally characterise cells and study the function of ion channels. The significant advance provided ....Electrophysiology facility for cell phenotyping and drug discovery. This project aims to establish a high-throughput, automated patch clamp facility to enable research at the forefront of cell phenotyping and drug discovery. Ion channels are membrane proteins that underlie cell function and are therefore important drug targets. The patch clamp technique is the most powerful tool available to functionally characterise cells and study the function of ion channels. The significant advance provided by the high-throughput, automated patch clamp system is that it allows up to 384 cells to be recorded simultaneously. This project expects to enhance capacity to automate and standardise the quality of recordings, substantially increase the rate of data production, and enable greater access to patch clamp technology.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE170100206
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,000.00
Summary
Lattice light sheet microscopy for imaging biology in real space and time. This project aims to establish a Lattice Light-Sheet Microscope (LLSM) Facility, to provide the dedicated computing infrastructure needed for terabyte-scale image acquisition and handling. Lattice light sheet microscopy allows four-dimensional imaging of live biological specimens from individual molecules to small organisms. The microscope images live specimens without phototoxicity or photobleaching, enabling prolonged i ....Lattice light sheet microscopy for imaging biology in real space and time. This project aims to establish a Lattice Light-Sheet Microscope (LLSM) Facility, to provide the dedicated computing infrastructure needed for terabyte-scale image acquisition and handling. Lattice light sheet microscopy allows four-dimensional imaging of live biological specimens from individual molecules to small organisms. The microscope images live specimens without phototoxicity or photobleaching, enabling prolonged imaging of significant physiological or biophysical events. Expected outcomes include high impact discoveries and publications in fundamental research, rapid solutions for industry-focussed projects and opportunities for collaboration, research and development. The imaging is expected to reveal key scientific insights and showcase biology to the public.Read moreRead less
Machine learning for organelle selection & feature detection in live cells. This project aims to addresses a roadblock in cell imaging and analysis by creating new mathematical and machine learning techniques for large datasets. Using advanced imaging and these analytic tools this project aims to define newly-discovered macropinosomes - cell structures with seminal roles in immunobiology. Outcomes will include a suite of computational tools that can be applied across bioscience to fully reveal a ....Machine learning for organelle selection & feature detection in live cells. This project aims to addresses a roadblock in cell imaging and analysis by creating new mathematical and machine learning techniques for large datasets. Using advanced imaging and these analytic tools this project aims to define newly-discovered macropinosomes - cell structures with seminal roles in immunobiology. Outcomes will include a suite of computational tools that can be applied across bioscience to fully reveal and quantify information contained within microscopic imaging and high impact knowledge for immunity. Innovative approaches will benefit the nation by capacity building in interdisciplinary technology.Read moreRead less