Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210101145
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$414,662.00
Summary
Investigating novel neurobiological mechanisms in rabies infection. This project aims to better understand the biology and functioning of the nervous system using an innovative multi-disciplinary approach informed by the rabies virus. The study intends to identify the molecular mechanism responsible for self-destruction in neurons. The project aims to gain this new knowledge by investigating the novel natural ability of rabies virus to subdue self-destruction mechanism in neurons. The principal ....Investigating novel neurobiological mechanisms in rabies infection. This project aims to better understand the biology and functioning of the nervous system using an innovative multi-disciplinary approach informed by the rabies virus. The study intends to identify the molecular mechanism responsible for self-destruction in neurons. The project aims to gain this new knowledge by investigating the novel natural ability of rabies virus to subdue self-destruction mechanism in neurons. The principal benefit is the gain of detailed knowledge about a fundamental biological mechanism at the intersection of neurobiology and virology. This has the potential to inform future research in areas such as the maintenance of neuronal health in ageing and better control of rabies infections. Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100106
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$350,000.00
Summary
An advanced flow cytometry facility for the Peter Doherty Institute. The establishment of a flow cytometry facility in the new Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity will enhance capacity to investigate immunity to a broad range of very serious diseases. This project will support researchers studying viral and bacterial infection as well as cancer and autoimmunity.
The development and evaluation of a new therapy for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections in hospitals. The technology used in this project will enable products to be developed from the Australian dairy industry which may safely provide protection and treatment for diarrhoea acquired in hospitals for which there are few effective options. The product will be cost effective and can be used as a public health tool to control outbreaks in those most susceptible to severe disease.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE180100202
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$255,120.00
Summary
Three-dimensional cryo correlative light and electron microscopy facility. This project aims to establish a three-dimensional (3D) cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy facility. The facility will integrate light microscopy with high resolution cryo-electron tomography and 3D slice-and-view focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy. The open access facility should create new capabilities for Australian researchers to tag biological events and structures with fluorescence markers and ....Three-dimensional cryo correlative light and electron microscopy facility. This project aims to establish a three-dimensional (3D) cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy facility. The facility will integrate light microscopy with high resolution cryo-electron tomography and 3D slice-and-view focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy. The open access facility should create new capabilities for Australian researchers to tag biological events and structures with fluorescence markers and image them using the currently highest resolution 3D imaging techniques for biological matter. The facility expects to reveal fundamental insights into cell and structural biology, and help drive innovation in agriculture, pharmaceutics, and biomaterials.Read moreRead less
Investigating the intercellular trafficking of proteins and RNA and its relevance to neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer's and prion diseases are neurodegenerative disorders associated with protein misfolding. This project brings together similar features of these diseases using novel cell- and animal-based studies to develop a greater understanding of the molecular basis of these disorders.
Understanding the biology of reactive oxygen species. This project will utilise forefront technologies to identify and characterise fundamental biological processes involving toxic free radicals that cause infectious disease and cancer. The approach synergises with researchers across disciplines and universities to ultimately identify future drugs to improve and maintain health.
Structural and functional analysis of the protein kinase R. We have shown that protein kinase R (PKR) plays a key role in regulating the body's response to virus infections, inflammation and cancer. This project will identify mechanisms that regulate the activity of PKR and provide information useful for the development of novel drugs.
Molecular Mechanisms of NOD signalling. Alterations in NOD1 and NOD2 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 1 and 2) signalling have been implicated in various human inflammatory diseases. Therefore, a clear understanding of the molecular signalling pathways is important to gain further insights into potential drug targets for the treatment of these diseases. Using novel experimental approaches, this project aims to identify new members of the NOD signalling pathway. It will test ....Molecular Mechanisms of NOD signalling. Alterations in NOD1 and NOD2 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 1 and 2) signalling have been implicated in various human inflammatory diseases. Therefore, a clear understanding of the molecular signalling pathways is important to gain further insights into potential drug targets for the treatment of these diseases. Using novel experimental approaches, this project aims to identify new members of the NOD signalling pathway. It will test the effect of pharmacological inhibition of established molecules such as RIPK2 or IAPs in NOD dependent models for human diseases. Outcomes of this study will be of the utmost interest for the treatment of NOD driven diseases such as Crohn's disease, Blau syndrome or asthma.Read moreRead less
Understanding endogenous allosteric modulators of G protein-coupled receptors. Major life science challenges include how chemicals outside cells signal to proteins inside, how this results in physiological responses, and how dysfunction of these processes leads to pathophysiology. Despite the critical importance of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), much remains to be learned about their regulation by endogenous and synthetic molecules. This project aims to address this gap, by building on rec ....Understanding endogenous allosteric modulators of G protein-coupled receptors. Major life science challenges include how chemicals outside cells signal to proteins inside, how this results in physiological responses, and how dysfunction of these processes leads to pathophysiology. Despite the critical importance of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), much remains to be learned about their regulation by endogenous and synthetic molecules. This project aims to address this gap, by building on recent ground-breaking studies that have been performed, by focusing on alternative binding sites of GPCRs called allosteric sites. The major hypothesis is that these allosteric sites are widespread across GPCRs because the body produces endogenous allosteric ligands that remain largely unidentified, but which can play vital roles in biology.Read moreRead less
The role of a novel protein, interferon epsilon, in reproductive tract immunity. This project aims to develop a world-first description of a new protein that has a protective role against female reproductive tract infections. This unique protein, called interferon epsilon, was discovered in our laboratory. This project will facilitate development of new therapeutic approaches of benefit in diseases such as Chlamydia and Herpes Simplex Virus.