Machineries that maintain mitochondrial architecture. This project aims to define and characterise the protein machines that give mitochondria their characteristic shape in different cellular tissues. Innovative approaches involving gene editing and quantitative proteomics with molecular cell biology will be employed. This project expects to generate new knowledge in protein-mediated membrane shaping and mechanisms by which signaling occurs across multiple membranes. The project outcomes should ....Machineries that maintain mitochondrial architecture. This project aims to define and characterise the protein machines that give mitochondria their characteristic shape in different cellular tissues. Innovative approaches involving gene editing and quantitative proteomics with molecular cell biology will be employed. This project expects to generate new knowledge in protein-mediated membrane shaping and mechanisms by which signaling occurs across multiple membranes. The project outcomes should include enhanced capacity for fundamental cell biology research in Australia. The project anticipates the contribution of new tools for structural biology, benefiting therapeutic and biotechnology applications and the training of young researchers in frontier technologies.Read moreRead less
The importance of exosomal membrane composition in intercellular signaling. Exosomes, microvesicles secreted by cells, are powerful signaling organelles. This project will explore the similarities and differences between the exosomal and host cell membrane. Membrane molecules exclusively present in exosomes may have important signaling implications and can aid in the uptake/fusion of exosomes by/with target cells.
A microfluidic approach to study the mechanobiology of ageing blood vessels. This project aims to study the effect of the stiffening of ageing arteries in endothelial cells. It explores the changes that occur in endothelial cells using a unique microfluidic technology with tuneable wall stiffness to mimic the biophysical and biochemical properties of ageing arteries. The expected outcome is the identification of the cellular mechanisms that control endothelial responses to arterial stiffening. T ....A microfluidic approach to study the mechanobiology of ageing blood vessels. This project aims to study the effect of the stiffening of ageing arteries in endothelial cells. It explores the changes that occur in endothelial cells using a unique microfluidic technology with tuneable wall stiffness to mimic the biophysical and biochemical properties of ageing arteries. The expected outcome is the identification of the cellular mechanisms that control endothelial responses to arterial stiffening. This should provide the fundamental knowledge required to assist in the development of new therapies to tackle age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease and dementia.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100022
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$480,000.00
Summary
A 700 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer for the Melbourne Biomolecular NMR Network: A high throughput resource. The Melbourne Biomolecular Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Network will enable NMR experiments aimed at discovering new molecules for diagnosing, treating and preventing disease, and identifying and eradicating pests. The new equipment will allow researchers to work with large numbers of samples, to identify the biomarkers of disease and to find new drug candidates qui ....A 700 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer for the Melbourne Biomolecular NMR Network: A high throughput resource. The Melbourne Biomolecular Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Network will enable NMR experiments aimed at discovering new molecules for diagnosing, treating and preventing disease, and identifying and eradicating pests. The new equipment will allow researchers to work with large numbers of samples, to identify the biomarkers of disease and to find new drug candidates quickly.Read moreRead less
Mitochondrial biogenesis in mammalian cells. This project aims to understand the inner workings of a molecular machine involved in mitochondrial protein biogenesis. Mitochondria are essential organelles that provide the bulk of cellular energy. Genesis of the organelle relies on the coordinated synthesis and transport of both proteins and lipids that make up the organelle. This project plans to define the architecture of the molecular machine, outline how its components function, and explore the ....Mitochondrial biogenesis in mammalian cells. This project aims to understand the inner workings of a molecular machine involved in mitochondrial protein biogenesis. Mitochondria are essential organelles that provide the bulk of cellular energy. Genesis of the organelle relies on the coordinated synthesis and transport of both proteins and lipids that make up the organelle. This project plans to define the architecture of the molecular machine, outline how its components function, and explore the relationship between proteins and lipids in mitochondrial genesis. These results are expected to provide knowledge about how mitochondrial creation is regulated.Read moreRead less
The biogenesis of bacterial outer membranes; how bacteria build their surface membranes. The outer membrane protects probiotic bacteria in the human intestine and enables pathogenic bacteria to cause infectious diseases. We will determine bacteria build their outer membranes - outstanding training opportunities come through cutting edge technology and the development of skills not common in Australia.
Activity-based chemogenetics: a novel approach to modulating brain function. Aim: To unravel the astounding complexity of the vertebrate brain by developing a completely novel method, that enables manipulation of the activity of defined nerve cells to study behaviour. Significance: Such technical advances are essential for understanding the intricate function of the brain. Expected outcomes: We will provide a technical advance of broad scope that will lead to novel neuroscience throughout the wo ....Activity-based chemogenetics: a novel approach to modulating brain function. Aim: To unravel the astounding complexity of the vertebrate brain by developing a completely novel method, that enables manipulation of the activity of defined nerve cells to study behaviour. Significance: Such technical advances are essential for understanding the intricate function of the brain. Expected outcomes: We will provide a technical advance of broad scope that will lead to novel neuroscience throughout the world. We will also increase understanding of body weight control through the experiments planned to validate our tool. Benefit: Our technical advance has the potential to alter experimental protocols, and the information obtained by experimental neuroscience, across all areas attempting to understand brain function.Read moreRead less
Development of technologies to monitor multimolecular complexes. Development of technologies to monitor multimolecular complexes. This project aims to develop technologies to monitor how proteins and their interacting molecules (such as hormones) form multi-component complexes, and how these complexes function in the cell, including movement from the cell surface, into different cellular compartments and back up to the surface. These technologies are expected to enable monitoring in live cells i ....Development of technologies to monitor multimolecular complexes. Development of technologies to monitor multimolecular complexes. This project aims to develop technologies to monitor how proteins and their interacting molecules (such as hormones) form multi-component complexes, and how these complexes function in the cell, including movement from the cell surface, into different cellular compartments and back up to the surface. These technologies are expected to enable monitoring in live cells in real-time with high sensitivity. This project could have broad benefits for and affect study of all aspects of the life sciences at the cellular and molecular levels. How these protein complexes function in cells underpins much of our understanding of biology, and technological tools.Read moreRead less
Resolving the Structures of Human Muscarinic M1 and M4 Receptors. Muscarinic receptors are vital for most basic human brain functions. These receptors are changed in schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. This project will determine the structure and localisation of two of these receptors in order to i) understand their roles in brain disorders and ii) develop drugs to treat disorders involving them.
An investigation into T cell immunity towards metabolites. This project aims to investigate how the immune system responds to small molecule metabolites, an emerging area in the life sciences about which little is known. The project aims to combine innovative mass spectrometry, structural and biochemical approaches to learn how metabolites are presented to specific T lymphocytes by an antigen presenting molecule called MR1. Outcomes are expected to transform the current understanding of the mol ....An investigation into T cell immunity towards metabolites. This project aims to investigate how the immune system responds to small molecule metabolites, an emerging area in the life sciences about which little is known. The project aims to combine innovative mass spectrometry, structural and biochemical approaches to learn how metabolites are presented to specific T lymphocytes by an antigen presenting molecule called MR1. Outcomes are expected to transform the current understanding of the molecular basis underpinning metabolite-mediated immunity. Significant benefits are anticipated to include fundamental new knowledge about immunity that may ultimately be used by the biotechnology industry.Read moreRead less