Differential expression and functional analysis of genes controlling metamorphosis and early neurogenesis of a model lower animal, the coral Acropora. This study will analyse, at a molecular level, the response of coral larvae to stimuli inducing settlement from the plankton and the process of establishment of a sessile, calcified colony. The knowledge gained will facilitate induction of settlement on demand in the most effective way. We will characterise known candidate genes which may be invo ....Differential expression and functional analysis of genes controlling metamorphosis and early neurogenesis of a model lower animal, the coral Acropora. This study will analyse, at a molecular level, the response of coral larvae to stimuli inducing settlement from the plankton and the process of establishment of a sessile, calcified colony. The knowledge gained will facilitate induction of settlement on demand in the most effective way. We will characterise known candidate genes which may be involved in settlement, and reveal a more complete picture using subtractive hybridisation. Studies of the nervous system and the changes that it undergoes at metamorphosis will promote understanding of the control of metamorphosis, and insights into how more complex nervous systems may have evolved.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE180100046
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,058.00
Summary
Capturing highly beneficial and persistent legume symbionts. This project aims to investigate impacts of climate change on the survival of symbiotic soil bacteria and the nutritional benefits they provide plants, using molecular technology. This project will generate new knowledge about the process of adaptation in symbiotic bacteria, by measuring genomic changes. Expected outcomes of this project include enhanced capacity to design ecological or genetic manipulations of soil bacteria to augment ....Capturing highly beneficial and persistent legume symbionts. This project aims to investigate impacts of climate change on the survival of symbiotic soil bacteria and the nutritional benefits they provide plants, using molecular technology. This project will generate new knowledge about the process of adaptation in symbiotic bacteria, by measuring genomic changes. Expected outcomes of this project include enhanced capacity to design ecological or genetic manipulations of soil bacteria to augment plant survival and health. Anticipated benefits include enhanced woodland restoration in a biodiversity hotspot, options to mitigate habitat damage from climate change, and strategies to increase agricultural productivity with less fertiliser.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190100326
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,406.00
Summary
Genomics of drought adaptation in endangered Eucalyptus woodlands. This project aims to investigate divergence in drought response strategies among foundation Eucalyptus species, using the latest genomic advances. The project expects to contribute new knowledge of drought adaptation in trees, specifically identifying above and below ground interactions that may constrain evolutionary responses to climate change by assessing genotype-trait associations in an integrated, whole plant research model ....Genomics of drought adaptation in endangered Eucalyptus woodlands. This project aims to investigate divergence in drought response strategies among foundation Eucalyptus species, using the latest genomic advances. The project expects to contribute new knowledge of drought adaptation in trees, specifically identifying above and below ground interactions that may constrain evolutionary responses to climate change by assessing genotype-trait associations in an integrated, whole plant research model. Expected outcomes include enhanced capacity to design agroforestry and restoration breeding programs to increase tree productivity and resilience under increasing aridity. This will benefit the conservation of endangered Australian woodlands, restoration of degraded landscapes, and production forestry.Read moreRead less