Investigating The Iron Proteome In Alzheimer’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$514,644.00
Summary
Iron is essential for brain function. When the delicate balance of metals in the brain is disturbed, neurodegenerative effects such as those seen in Alzheimer’s disease are observed. Although we know there is a link between iron and Alzheimer’s disease, we do not know which specific iron proteins are involved. This project will provide the first characterisation of different iron proteins in the brain to understand the mechanisms of disease and help in the search for new treatments.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100036
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,000.00
Summary
A protein molecular interaction and localization facility. This proposal will address a major gap in our mass spectrometry capabilities and aid in our understanding of protein interactions and tissue distribution in areas such as neuroscience, microbiology, immunology, and botany, as well as enhance our understanding of fundamental gas phase chemistry of protein molecules. It brings together a highly successful multidisciplinary team of high-profile researchers with a track record of collaborati ....A protein molecular interaction and localization facility. This proposal will address a major gap in our mass spectrometry capabilities and aid in our understanding of protein interactions and tissue distribution in areas such as neuroscience, microbiology, immunology, and botany, as well as enhance our understanding of fundamental gas phase chemistry of protein molecules. It brings together a highly successful multidisciplinary team of high-profile researchers with a track record of collaboration and delivering outcomes from shared facilities. In addition to these key scientific outcomes this project will also facilitate the training of several new personnel in a skill area for which there is a critical shortage (mass spectrometry) and promote true cross-disciplinary skills.Read moreRead less
Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS), a peptide biomarker discovery tool using tissue. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in Australia. The newly developed technology of Imaging Mass Spectrometry for peptides in tissue has the potential to discover biomarkers for early diagnosis of cancer. This new technology could avoid a number of cancer deaths and reduce suffering of patients through earlier and better diagnosis.
The role of N-linked protein glycosylation in Campylobacter jejuni. It is estimated that 300,000 Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) infections occur in Australia annually, causing a vast economic loss. This project will assist in the understanding of the role of glycosylation and will significantly aid in determining how C. jejuni colonises humans and poultry and lead to the discovery of interventions to reduce the organism in poultry for human consumption.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100150
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,000.00
Summary
Beyond Proteomics: structure and function of protein modifications. The world's leading cancer therapeutics have come from the protein phosphorylation field, and glycomics has led to drugs that combat the flu and that stimulate red blood cell production in cancer patients. Thus there is a bright future for discovery of new medicines based on new knowledge in this area. Protein modifications are key to the understanding of disease mechanisms and for searching for new disease markers and new the ....Beyond Proteomics: structure and function of protein modifications. The world's leading cancer therapeutics have come from the protein phosphorylation field, and glycomics has led to drugs that combat the flu and that stimulate red blood cell production in cancer patients. Thus there is a bright future for discovery of new medicines based on new knowledge in this area. Protein modifications are key to the understanding of disease mechanisms and for searching for new disease markers and new therapeutics. In the hands of local experts the instruments will enable identification of these modifications and provide improved understanding of biology, increase the national competitiveness of Australia's scientists, and provide advanced technology training to the next generation of scientists.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150101243
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,000.00
Summary
The molecular mechanisms of dual nucleic acid specificities of SFPQ. Dynamic interactions between proteins and nucleic acids are a fundamental process in gene regulation, where aberrant regulation leads to lethality or various diseases. This project aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of DNA-RNA interplay with a multifunctional nuclear protein, splicing factor proline/glutamine-rich (SFPQ) in gene regulation at the molecular level by characterising the interactions between SFPQ and nucle ....The molecular mechanisms of dual nucleic acid specificities of SFPQ. Dynamic interactions between proteins and nucleic acids are a fundamental process in gene regulation, where aberrant regulation leads to lethality or various diseases. This project aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of DNA-RNA interplay with a multifunctional nuclear protein, splicing factor proline/glutamine-rich (SFPQ) in gene regulation at the molecular level by characterising the interactions between SFPQ and nucleic acids. The results will provide a fundamental understanding of the molecular mechanisms of dual nucleic acid specificities of nuclear proteins in gene regulation, for which no structural information is currently available.Read moreRead less
The early structural assembly of high-density lipoproteins. This project aims to study the interaction between proteins and lipids, a fundamental aspect of cellular processes in all organisms. Lipid binding by apoA-I forms high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in the bloodstream, which removes cholesterol from the body. This project will define the types of lipids that bind first to the apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and the structural mechanisms of this process. The conformation of lipid binding proteins o ....The early structural assembly of high-density lipoproteins. This project aims to study the interaction between proteins and lipids, a fundamental aspect of cellular processes in all organisms. Lipid binding by apoA-I forms high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in the bloodstream, which removes cholesterol from the body. This project will define the types of lipids that bind first to the apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and the structural mechanisms of this process. The conformation of lipid binding proteins often changes during lipid binding. However, the structural mechanisms and conformational rearrangements are poorly understood. This project expects to understand the function of HDL and the structural mechanisms of lipid binding proteins in general. The results will have far-reaching applications in biology, human health, and biotechnology, including food and biopharmaceutical processing.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100101
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$160,000.00
Summary
Better, faster, cheaper: improving shotgun proteomics by using high-speed ion trap mass spectrometry. This mass spectrometric instrumentation is a breakthrough in technology and an essential step in maintaining the world-class capabilities of the Australian research community. Many fundamental and applied biochemical research studies will benefit from access to this system, generating a positive societal impact.
An integrated nano-bioengineered chip for enhanced molecular evolution. This project aims to develop a novel molecular evolution platform technology for the rapid selection of high value target binding molecules from diverse molecular libraries using an electrically activated nanofluidic chip coated with target. Significant outcomes from the project is the controlled selection of target binding molecules that is not possible with current methods and improved understanding of nanoforce driven mol ....An integrated nano-bioengineered chip for enhanced molecular evolution. This project aims to develop a novel molecular evolution platform technology for the rapid selection of high value target binding molecules from diverse molecular libraries using an electrically activated nanofluidic chip coated with target. Significant outcomes from the project is the controlled selection of target binding molecules that is not possible with current methods and improved understanding of nanoforce driven molecular collisions on nano-bioengineered surfaces. This provides significant benefits, creating new knowledge in nanomaterials and advanced manufacturing of nanofabricated devices, creating commercial interest and positioning Australia at the forefront of molecular discovery technology, a highly valuable global market.
Read moreRead less
Proteomic techniques to assess oxidative stress in muscle wasting diseases. Australia will experience a significant increase in the proportion of its population that is over 65 years of age over the next 50 years. There will be an increased demand for health services related to injury from falls unless effective preventive strategies are put in place. Loss of muscle mass contributes to falls, so development of preventative strategies has the potential for considerable benefits. Oxidative stress ....Proteomic techniques to assess oxidative stress in muscle wasting diseases. Australia will experience a significant increase in the proportion of its population that is over 65 years of age over the next 50 years. There will be an increased demand for health services related to injury from falls unless effective preventive strategies are put in place. Loss of muscle mass contributes to falls, so development of preventative strategies has the potential for considerable benefits. Oxidative stress is a key intermediary in muscle wasting. This PhD project examines a possible mechanism by which oxidative stress causes muscle wasting. An appropriately tailored therapy to minimise oxidative stress has the potential to ameliorate loss of muscle mass.
Read moreRead less