Many of the most serious diseases of Western societies including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cancer growth and metastasis and cardiovascular disease have metabolic dimensions. The enzyme AMPK regulates cellular and whole body energy homeostasis by coordinating metabolic pathways to balance energy demand with nutrient supply. We are studying the structure and function of AMPK with the aim of better treating metabolic diseases.
Signaling Pathways To Enhance Potency Of AMPK-targeting Drugs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,966.00
Summary
Sedentary lifestyles and consumption of high energy foods has led to epidemics of obesity-related metabolic diseases that place enormous financial and medical burden on the Australian economy. An attractive drug target to treat these diseases is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which functions as both a cellular fuel gauge and co-ordinator of whole-body metabolism. Our goal is to improve AMPK drug potency by identifying novel processes that sensitize AMPK to drugs.
ARC Centre for Kangaroo Genome. In this Australian-led Kangaroo Genome Project, we will map and characterize the tammar wallaby genome at the molecular level. Marsupial genomes are uniquely valuable because they provide comparisons that reveal new human genes, regulatory sequences and marsupial-specific genes. These will deliver new products and information useful for medicine, industry, agriculture and conservation. We will construct integrated genetic and physical maps of the genome, clone the ....ARC Centre for Kangaroo Genome. In this Australian-led Kangaroo Genome Project, we will map and characterize the tammar wallaby genome at the molecular level. Marsupial genomes are uniquely valuable because they provide comparisons that reveal new human genes, regulatory sequences and marsupial-specific genes. These will deliver new products and information useful for medicine, industry, agriculture and conservation. We will construct integrated genetic and physical maps of the genome, clone the whole genome as large inserts in BAC vectors, and build a "golden path" with minimal overlap. We will construct libraries of expressed genes from tammar tissues and array them for use in analysing gene expression.Read moreRead less
Recombination of mitochondrial genomes: what can we learn from chigger mites? This project will bring three benefits to Australia. First, it will enhance Australia's research capacity in the fields of organelle genomics and evolutionary biology. Second, it will yield highly skilled young researchers: a postdoctoral fellow (Shao), a PhD student and two BSc Honours students. Third, it will generate new knowledge about genome recombination in animal mitochondria. Recombination is a fundamental, yet ....Recombination of mitochondrial genomes: what can we learn from chigger mites? This project will bring three benefits to Australia. First, it will enhance Australia's research capacity in the fields of organelle genomics and evolutionary biology. Second, it will yield highly skilled young researchers: a postdoctoral fellow (Shao), a PhD student and two BSc Honours students. Third, it will generate new knowledge about genome recombination in animal mitochondria. Recombination is a fundamental, yet poorly understood issue in mitochondrial genomics and evolutionary biology. Knowledge from this project will also improve our understanding of other important issues that are associated with animal mitochondria; like the mechanisms of mitochondrial disease and ageing, and the evolution of modern humans and other animals.Read moreRead less
Genomic Analysis Of DNA Binding And Gene Regulation By The Chromatin Remodelling Factor UBF
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$624,254.00
Summary
Synthesis of ribosomes, the cellular protein synthetic machinery, is the major anabolic event of a growing cell and is frequently dysregulated during disease such as cancer. This grant will examine a protein termed UBF that we think plays an important role in orchestrating the cellular response to dysregulated ribosome biogenesis. By understanding how UBF functions we hope to uncover novel therapeutic approaches to treat diseases associated with ribosome stress .
New models for the role of chromatin in controlling inducible gene expression. This proposal aims to test novel models of how packaging of DNA in the nucleus plays a fundamental role in gene expression. Understanding these concepts is important in the context of successful gene therapy where major hurdles need to be overcome. This work also has implications for somatic cell therapy since it is important to understand how genes are expressed in order to successfully reprogram cells. Both of these ....New models for the role of chromatin in controlling inducible gene expression. This proposal aims to test novel models of how packaging of DNA in the nucleus plays a fundamental role in gene expression. Understanding these concepts is important in the context of successful gene therapy where major hurdles need to be overcome. This work also has implications for somatic cell therapy since it is important to understand how genes are expressed in order to successfully reprogram cells. Both of these areas are important to the Biotechnology industry. Answering questions about higher order chromatin structure in gene transcription will provide cutting edge, innovative knowledge that will have international significance. Read moreRead less
The Social Life of Death. This project aims to investigate experiences of death, dying and bereavement amidst rapid social, economic and political transformation. In the wake of COVID19, and as Australia’s anticipated ‘death boom’ approaches, how to foster good deaths has never been more uncertain, nor more urgent. Drawing on innovative methods and socio-cultural theory, and working in partnership with families and communities, this project aims to generate new knowledge to better inform and imp ....The Social Life of Death. This project aims to investigate experiences of death, dying and bereavement amidst rapid social, economic and political transformation. In the wake of COVID19, and as Australia’s anticipated ‘death boom’ approaches, how to foster good deaths has never been more uncertain, nor more urgent. Drawing on innovative methods and socio-cultural theory, and working in partnership with families and communities, this project aims to generate new knowledge to better inform and improve policy and spark cultural renewal around the end of life. Expected outcomes include setting the international benchmark for novel scholarly understandings of death, dying and bereavement, and centring community voices in addressing contemporary challenges to dying well.
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Development of molecular markers for resistance to blackleg disease (Leptosphaeria maculans) in canola. Canola (Brassica napus) is a valuable oil seed crop grown in many parts of the world and contributes annually $A450 million to the Australian economy. The overall aim of this project is to develop molecular markers for blackleg resistance using Australian germplasm along with evaluation in Australian disease nurseries which are regarded worlwide to develop the highest levels of disease pressu ....Development of molecular markers for resistance to blackleg disease (Leptosphaeria maculans) in canola. Canola (Brassica napus) is a valuable oil seed crop grown in many parts of the world and contributes annually $A450 million to the Australian economy. The overall aim of this project is to develop molecular markers for blackleg resistance using Australian germplasm along with evaluation in Australian disease nurseries which are regarded worlwide to develop the highest levels of disease pressure. Once molecular marker systems are developed and evaluated, they will be applied to facilitate the selection of Nugrain's (Industry Partner) canola breeding programs. Any molecular markers and QTL developed for Australian cultivars would find commercial application in breeding programmes.Read moreRead less
H2A.Z Acetylation: Deregulation Of Enhancer Activity And 3D Chromatin In Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$859,350.00
Summary
DNA is not linear but packaged in the cell nucleus in a three-dimensional (3D) structure in such a way that distal regulatory regions can interact to control gene expression. Our new data suggests that a chemical modification of the histone variant H2A.Z plays a critical role in the formation of the 3D chromatin structure. This project is aimed to dissect the role of H2A.Z in prescribing 3D structure, which will provide a more precise understanding of gene deregulation in cancer.
Regulation Of Ribosomal RNA Gene Chromatin During Malignant Transformation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$882,486.00
Summary
The overarching goal of this proposal is to determine the molecular basis for tumour cell dependence on activated ribosomal RNA gene repeats (rDNA). Our working model posits that rDNA repeats become activated through changes in rDNA chromatin structure that include increased binding of the RNA Polymerase I transcription factor UBF.