Uncovering microRNA decay regulation in mammalian cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a novel mechanism used by cells to regulate gene expression, however, very little is known about the mechanisms affecting miRNA accumulation. Characterisation of the kinetics of miRNA turnover is of paramount importance to establish the reliability of miRNAs as novel biomarkers. This project aims to characterise miRNA stability in mammalian cells, investigate mechanisms of turnover and establish their importan ....Uncovering microRNA decay regulation in mammalian cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a novel mechanism used by cells to regulate gene expression, however, very little is known about the mechanisms affecting miRNA accumulation. Characterisation of the kinetics of miRNA turnover is of paramount importance to establish the reliability of miRNAs as novel biomarkers. This project aims to characterise miRNA stability in mammalian cells, investigate mechanisms of turnover and establish their importance on the regulatory function of miRNAs. Such information is critical in the future development of targeted therapeutics.Read moreRead less
Dissecting endocardial signals required for cardiac muscle regeneration in zebrafish. Unlike humans, zebrafish have an extraordinary ability to regenerate their damaged hearts. This project will study the endocardium, a thin layer of cells lining the inner heart, to find important genes for regeneration. Results from this study may provide insights into proper repair of human hearts after injury.
RNA-based analysis for prediction of islet death in diabetes. Death of insulin-producing cells is a common feature in diabetes. Presently, a blood glucose test remains the only blunt instrument to diagnose diabetes. The RNA-based analysis for prediction of islet death in diabetes (RAPID) study links with eight clinical trials to test this newly developed non-invasive assay for predicting diabetes. Early diagnosis will help to reduce diabetic complications in later life.
Genomics of temperature response in plants. Climate change is predicted to have negative impacts on Australian agriculture. This project will use genomic tools to uncover biological mechanisms for plant response to temperature that will help design crop varieties that are more tolerant to higher temperatures.
Exploring novel coding genomic features through integrative proteogenomics. Knowledge of the full extent to which the human genome is made into proteins is of fundamental importance in the study of health and disease. New technological advances are now enabling functional studies of genomes with increasing detail. This project aims to develop and apply cutting edge bioinformatics methods to perform an integrative and comprehensive exploration of the extent to which the genes of a human cell line ....Exploring novel coding genomic features through integrative proteogenomics. Knowledge of the full extent to which the human genome is made into proteins is of fundamental importance in the study of health and disease. New technological advances are now enabling functional studies of genomes with increasing detail. This project aims to develop and apply cutting edge bioinformatics methods to perform an integrative and comprehensive exploration of the extent to which the genes of a human cell line are made into proteins. The project will improve our understanding of the human genome and deliver cutting edge methodology applicable for genome annotation in all living organisms.Read moreRead less
Deciphering the genetic architecture of human complex traits. This project aims to develop statistical methods to integrate data from genetic studies of complex traits such as stature and cognition. Molecular phenotypes such as gene expression in large samples will be used to predict target genes and regulatory elements of those traits. Understanding the genetic basis of human complex traits is critical to longstanding questions in human and evolutionary biology. The project will also detect sig ....Deciphering the genetic architecture of human complex traits. This project aims to develop statistical methods to integrate data from genetic studies of complex traits such as stature and cognition. Molecular phenotypes such as gene expression in large samples will be used to predict target genes and regulatory elements of those traits. Understanding the genetic basis of human complex traits is critical to longstanding questions in human and evolutionary biology. The project will also detect signatures of natural selection in shaping the genetic variation in complex traits. The project will provide better understanding of complex traits in global populations and the history of human evolution, and will develop methods applicable in plant and animal contexts.Read moreRead less
The role of human single-stranded binding protein (hSSB1) in DNA damage repair and tumorogenesis. Cancer is a leading cause of disease related death world wide, accounting for over 13% of all deaths in 2007. Approximately 38,000 people died in Australia from cancer in 2005. Cancer results from a single cell losing a vital part of its genetic information, this results in the cell losing its normal programming and initiates a process of rapid growth and multiplication. This research project aims t ....The role of human single-stranded binding protein (hSSB1) in DNA damage repair and tumorogenesis. Cancer is a leading cause of disease related death world wide, accounting for over 13% of all deaths in 2007. Approximately 38,000 people died in Australia from cancer in 2005. Cancer results from a single cell losing a vital part of its genetic information, this results in the cell losing its normal programming and initiates a process of rapid growth and multiplication. This research project aims to look at the mechanisms that exist to prevent this initial loss of genetic material within an individual cell. It further aims to translate theses discoveries into the clinic, providing new tools for diagnosis and prognosis of specific cancers and to establish links with major pharmaceutical companies to develop novel anticancer therapies.Read moreRead less
The ins and outs of HIV biology. This project aims to delineate the fundamental mechanisms that regulate the production of HIV and the ability of HIV to cause AIDS in infected patients. It will utilise state-of-the-art technologies to unearth new clues that govern the biology of HIV, with the ultimate goal to develop novel vaccine and treatment strategies against HIV.
Ageing and the muscle stem cell niche. Adult stem cells are critical for repair and maintenance of tissues and ageing tissues show reduced stem cell function. This project will focus on how ageing leads to disruption of communication between muscle stem cells and their niche. The project aims to identify new therapeutic targets for age-related muscle wasting and reduced mobility in the elderly.
Stochastic modelling of genetic regulatory networks with burst process. This project will develop the next generation of stochastic modelling to study the fundamental principles of genetic regulation. Simulations will yield deeper insight into the origin of bistability and oscillation in gene networks.