Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100170
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$580,000.00
Summary
Bioaffinity mass spectrometry infrastructure to identify small molecules binding to therapeutic targets. The development of anti-infective therapies is challenging because the underlying biology and biochemistry of pathogen virulence is not yet completely understood. This mass spectrometer facility will be used to identify small molecules suited for development into new therapies for malaria, tuberculosis and HIV.
Understanding allosteric modulation and functional selectivity at G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs are an important superfamily of proteins that are involved in a myriad of physiological processes and a wide range of serious illnesses. This project seeks to gain a more detailed understanding of new mechanisms of GPCR modulation and function that will be of direct relevance to drug discovery.
New methodology for the manufacture of opioid pharmaceuticals and the discovery of novel opiate receptor ligands. Semi-synthetic opiates are important analgesic agents and are used in the treatment of alcohol and opiate dependence. This project will focus on the application of new, greener and more efficient methods for the preparation of these medicinal agents.
Subtype selectivity and functional bias of receptor positive allosteric modulators for understanding models of pulmonary disease. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are an important superfamily of proteins that are involved in a myriad of physiological processes and a wide range of serious illnesses. This project seeks to gain a more detailed understanding of new mechanisms of GPCR modulation and function that will be of direct relevance to drug discovery.
Dissecting catalysis and inhibition of a unique endo-acting mannose-processing glycosidase. Defects in the attachment of carbohydrates to proteins are a hallmark of diseases such as cancer and viral infection. This project will dissect the molecular details of the bond-making and breaking steps that occur during the synthesis of glycoproteins assisting in the development of innovative new drugs.
Biogenesis inspired total synthesis of natural products. The project will study the chemical synthesis of a number of novel natural products. Most significantly, this project will deliver new methods for organic synthesis of complex molecules. The rewards from the total synthesis of bioactive compounds are enormous for the community and in the education and training of scientists.
Discovery and development of novel insulin sensitising compounds for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is one of the major health problems facing Australia today, and current treatments are proving inadequate to combat this disease. We previously discovered a new drug with potential for development for the treatment of diabetes. In this project, we will identify how this drug works to combat diabetes in cell and animal models, and use novel chemistry approaches to modify the drug to imp ....Discovery and development of novel insulin sensitising compounds for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is one of the major health problems facing Australia today, and current treatments are proving inadequate to combat this disease. We previously discovered a new drug with potential for development for the treatment of diabetes. In this project, we will identify how this drug works to combat diabetes in cell and animal models, and use novel chemistry approaches to modify the drug to improve its properties and reduce potential side-effects. The outcomes of this project will be understanding of a new biological process that contributes to the development of diabetes, and the discovery and characterisation of new chemical compounds that could be developed as drugs to treat diabetes.Read moreRead less
Exploring metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 bias, allostery and heteromers. This project aims to provide novel mechanistic and structural insights into metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) function. The mGlu5 is an essential regulator of neurotransmission and higher order brain functions including learning and memory. This project expects to expand knowledge of the fundamental biological processes engaged by mGlu5 through exploration of three novel paradigms of receptor activity: allostery, ....Exploring metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 bias, allostery and heteromers. This project aims to provide novel mechanistic and structural insights into metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) function. The mGlu5 is an essential regulator of neurotransmission and higher order brain functions including learning and memory. This project expects to expand knowledge of the fundamental biological processes engaged by mGlu5 through exploration of three novel paradigms of receptor activity: allostery, bias and heteromerisation. Expected outcomes also include generation of new pharmacological tools through interdisciplinary collaborative research between multiple institutions. There is significant expected economic benefit through commercialisation of new tools and facilitation of novel drug discovery.Read moreRead less
Using chemistry to illuminate sulfoglycolysis, a major organosulfur pathway. This project aims to develop a detailed molecular description of the sulfoglycolysis pathway, a major pathway involved in cycling an abundant sulfolipid. The project will use an integrated chemical, biochemical and structural approach to illuminate how sulfoglycolysis degrades sulfolipid to access its elemental and energy constituents. Expected outcomes include an advanced understanding of the biosulfur cycle, the devel ....Using chemistry to illuminate sulfoglycolysis, a major organosulfur pathway. This project aims to develop a detailed molecular description of the sulfoglycolysis pathway, a major pathway involved in cycling an abundant sulfolipid. The project will use an integrated chemical, biochemical and structural approach to illuminate how sulfoglycolysis degrades sulfolipid to access its elemental and energy constituents. Expected outcomes include an advanced understanding of the biosulfur cycle, the development of new chemical approaches to manipulate sulfur cycling for agricultural and biotechnology applications, and deepened ties to leading international researchers. Potential benefits include new strategies to reduce dependence on agricultural fertilisers, promote gut wellbeing, and control insect pests.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140100162
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$374,005.00
Summary
Enzymatic synthesis of pro-resolution lipid mediators: Towards new therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases. Inflammation is a major contributing factor in many diseases, including arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease and cancer. It has recently been shown that the resolution of inflammation is an active biological process initiated by lipid mediators. The aim of this project is to synthesise and characterise pro-resolution lipid mediators, elucidate ....Enzymatic synthesis of pro-resolution lipid mediators: Towards new therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases. Inflammation is a major contributing factor in many diseases, including arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease and cancer. It has recently been shown that the resolution of inflammation is an active biological process initiated by lipid mediators. The aim of this project is to synthesise and characterise pro-resolution lipid mediators, elucidate the enzyme cascades involved in their biosynthesis and explore their roles in the active resolution of inflammation. This project will provide a fundamental understanding of pro-resolution and anti-inflammatory pathways as well as new therapeutic target molecules for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.Read moreRead less