Tapasin And Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Antigen Presentation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$226,650.00
Summary
An effective T cell response (cellular immune response) to infections is vital to a functional immune system. Normally, proteins are cleaved into small molecules called peptides and these peptides are in turn presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex molecules to T cells. However, we have only partial understanding of what determines the choice of peptides that are finally presented to T cells. Recent research suggests that a molecule called tapasin may also influence the choice of peptides. ....An effective T cell response (cellular immune response) to infections is vital to a functional immune system. Normally, proteins are cleaved into small molecules called peptides and these peptides are in turn presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex molecules to T cells. However, we have only partial understanding of what determines the choice of peptides that are finally presented to T cells. Recent research suggests that a molecule called tapasin may also influence the choice of peptides. This research proposal aims to examine the role of tapasin in this regard. A thorough understanding of the basic principles of peptide presentation to T cells is crucial to the design of effective vaccines. Furthermore it will also broaden our understanding of immunological responses to cancer, autoimmune diseases and infections.Read moreRead less
Transplantation of pancreatic islets is the only cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Unfortunately, many of the transplanted islet cells die quickly due to an inadequate supply of blood. Herein, we investigate a novel cell surface protein for its role in islet and blood vessel survival and function. Furthermore, we use nanotechnology to provide said protein to the islet cells during transplantation for increased survival and function. Ultimately, this work may cure more patients with diabetes.
New strategies for the stereoselective synthesis of Stemona alkaloids and the discovery of new bioactive molecules. The project aims to develop innovative methods to prepare bioactive natural products and their analogues with potential applications as new and safer therapeutic drugs and agricultural chemicals. These products would be of benefit to Australians in the future.
Radiostereometric Analysis Of The Effect Of A Large Articulation On Prosthetic Wear And Migration After Hip Replacement
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$192,186.00
Summary
At total hip replacement, there has been a recent trend to use prostheses with a larger ball and liner in the socket. This may decrease the risk of post-operative dislocation, but may also increase the amount of wear, leading to bone loss and loosening of prostheses, which may then require replacement. This project will use a special type of x-ray to determine whether wear and movement of these new prostheses is clinically acceptable, so that they can be used with confidence in patients.
The Risks And Benefits Of Contemporary Total Hip Replacement
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$493,530.00
Summary
The number of hip replacements undertaken in Australia is steadily increasing. The most common complications of hip replacements are dislocation and loosening due to bone loss around the implant, requiring complex and expensive revision surgery. This study will investigate the incidence of dislocation and, using a new diagnostic imaging technique, the incidence and amount of bone loss around a relatively new prosthetic material, the outcomes of which are not known despite its increasing use.
Symmetry in Differential Geometry. Differential geometry is a major branch of mathematics studying shape by using calculus and differential equations. This is a fundamental research project in this area, especially concerned with the interaction between geometry, differential equations, and symmetry. The mathematical notion of symmetry was already formalised early last century and nowadays lies at the very heart of mathematics and physics. Advances in this area provide essential tools in basic s ....Symmetry in Differential Geometry. Differential geometry is a major branch of mathematics studying shape by using calculus and differential equations. This is a fundamental research project in this area, especially concerned with the interaction between geometry, differential equations, and symmetry. The mathematical notion of symmetry was already formalised early last century and nowadays lies at the very heart of mathematics and physics. Advances in this area provide essential tools in basic science and unexpected technological benefits can easily arise (for example, in medical imaging). Fundamental mathematical research is absolutely necessary if Australia is to maintain a presence on the international scientific stage.
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Classification and Invariants in Complex Differential Geometry. Differential geometry is the study of shape using calculus and differential equations. This is a fundamental research project in this area. Complex differential geometry refers to geometry based on the complex numbers, generally a rich and intriguing setting. Geometries will be distinguished by the construction of suitable invariants, both algebraic and analytic. Classification problems will be solved by these means. Of particular i ....Classification and Invariants in Complex Differential Geometry. Differential geometry is the study of shape using calculus and differential equations. This is a fundamental research project in this area. Complex differential geometry refers to geometry based on the complex numbers, generally a rich and intriguing setting. Geometries will be distinguished by the construction of suitable invariants, both algebraic and analytic. Classification problems will be solved by these means. Of particular interest are geometries with a high degree of symmetry, a critical feature that pervades both mathematics and physics. Twistor theory provides the unifying theme for this project.Read moreRead less
Homotopical structures in algebraic, analytic, and equivariant geometry. This is a project for fundamental research in pure mathematics. It is focused on an emerging subfield of complex geometry concerned with spaces and maps that exhibit exceptional flexibility properties, which often go hand-in-hand with a high degree of symmetry. The project aims to develop the foundations of this new area, solve several open problems, and pursue interconnections with and applications to algebraic geometry, c ....Homotopical structures in algebraic, analytic, and equivariant geometry. This is a project for fundamental research in pure mathematics. It is focused on an emerging subfield of complex geometry concerned with spaces and maps that exhibit exceptional flexibility properties, which often go hand-in-hand with a high degree of symmetry. The project aims to develop the foundations of this new area, solve several open problems, and pursue interconnections with and applications to algebraic geometry, complex analysis, geometric invariant theory, and topology.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Training Centres - Grant ID: IC210100040
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,997,903.00
Summary
ARC Training Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia's Bioactives (FAAB). The Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia's Bioactives (FAAB) will transform the rapidly growing bioactive ingredients sector. It will apply advanced analytical methods to molecular characterisation of bioactive products derived from foods, food-waste, and cell-based biotechnologies. FAAB will determine modes of action for bioactives with potential lifestyle and nutritional benefits allowing for evidence- ....ARC Training Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia's Bioactives (FAAB). The Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia's Bioactives (FAAB) will transform the rapidly growing bioactive ingredients sector. It will apply advanced analytical methods to molecular characterisation of bioactive products derived from foods, food-waste, and cell-based biotechnologies. FAAB will determine modes of action for bioactives with potential lifestyle and nutritional benefits allowing for evidence-informed decision-making, and regulatory framework development. FAAB graduates will lead and deliver future national self-reliance to the Australian bioactives sector, increasing diversification and international competitiveness and development of regulation in a growing market. Read moreRead less
Pharmacological probes to facilitate preclinical development of modulators of a6 subunit containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Allosteric modulators of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors have a promising future as drugs targeting attention deficits in Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia but the mechanisms underlying modulation are poorly understood. This project aims to determine its binding site and develop a radioactive labelled compound that competes with its binding. The radi ....Pharmacological probes to facilitate preclinical development of modulators of a6 subunit containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Allosteric modulators of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors have a promising future as drugs targeting attention deficits in Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia but the mechanisms underlying modulation are poorly understood. This project aims to determine its binding site and develop a radioactive labelled compound that competes with its binding. The radiolabelled compound and a deeper insight into the mode of action will enable development of ligands for positron emission tomography (PET) which will aid in the development of BNC375 as well as other alpha7 modulators.Read moreRead less