An RNA interference based genetic screen for novel epigenetic modifiers involved in mammalian X inactivation. All the information required to form an adult human is contained in the DNA of the fertilized egg. Development is achieved by a complex orchestration of genes being switched on and off, controlled by proteins called epigenetic modifiers. Sometimes this goes awry, leading to disease. Despite their vital role, only around ten percent of the potential epigenetic modifiers have been characte ....An RNA interference based genetic screen for novel epigenetic modifiers involved in mammalian X inactivation. All the information required to form an adult human is contained in the DNA of the fertilized egg. Development is achieved by a complex orchestration of genes being switched on and off, controlled by proteins called epigenetic modifiers. Sometimes this goes awry, leading to disease. Despite their vital role, only around ten percent of the potential epigenetic modifiers have been characterized in humans, making it impossible to interpret how they work together, or when they fail. We will develop a novel screen-based technology to find hundreds more true epigenetic modifiers. This technology will aid us and other Australian scientists to understand the role of epigenetics in normal development and disease, ultimately leading to better public health.Read moreRead less
Socs proteins in development and disease. Socs proteins are a component of a pathway that is central to a range of developmental processes, including embryonic development. In addition, there is evidence that these proteins are perturbed in several disorders. This Project will enhance our understanding of the Socs proteins and their role in disease, and ultimately provide an opportunity to identify new therapeutic strategies.
GENOMIC/PHENOMIC IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF NOVEL HEMATOPOIETIC REGULATORS. Blood cells are fundamental to health. They play a vital role in maintaining the condition of tissues and organs, fight infections and are essential players in the body's response to injury. Understanding how blood cells are produced and how they function is critical to improving the treatment of disease. With the sequencing of the genome, we now have the tools we need to find the genes controlling these proc ....GENOMIC/PHENOMIC IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF NOVEL HEMATOPOIETIC REGULATORS. Blood cells are fundamental to health. They play a vital role in maintaining the condition of tissues and organs, fight infections and are essential players in the body's response to injury. Understanding how blood cells are produced and how they function is critical to improving the treatment of disease. With the sequencing of the genome, we now have the tools we need to find the genes controlling these processes. This project will harness the power of modern genetic technologies to dissect the role of novel genes involved in blood cell formation and function, and will open up new therapeutic opportunities for treating the many diseases associated with dysregulation of this important cell system. Read moreRead less