Genetic analysis of cohesin function and regulation in Drosophila. In yeast, a multiprotein complex, called cohesin, holds newly replicated chromatids together until the cell is ready to partition each chromatid into its daughter cells. We and others have shown that cohesins are regulated differently in animal cells. We propose to combine classical genetic analyses with two new and innovative techniques, time-lapse confocal microscopy of fluorescent proteins in living cells and gene-specific kno ....Genetic analysis of cohesin function and regulation in Drosophila. In yeast, a multiprotein complex, called cohesin, holds newly replicated chromatids together until the cell is ready to partition each chromatid into its daughter cells. We and others have shown that cohesins are regulated differently in animal cells. We propose to combine classical genetic analyses with two new and innovative techniques, time-lapse confocal microscopy of fluorescent proteins in living cells and gene-specific knockout techniques to study key cohesin regulators in Drosophila. These studies will provide us with novel insights into how multicellular organisms regulate the structure and stability of their chromosomes.Read moreRead less
New guardians of the mucosa: Molecular characterisation of M cell biology. We aim to completely define the cellular and molecular biology of gut and lung M cells for the first time. We will elucidate how they develop, are regulated and function at a molecular level, and how M cells maintain normal gut and lung tissues and induce immune responses to protect against microbial challenges. In the future, the new insights will be essential pre-requisites for the development of mucosal-based intervent ....New guardians of the mucosa: Molecular characterisation of M cell biology. We aim to completely define the cellular and molecular biology of gut and lung M cells for the first time. We will elucidate how they develop, are regulated and function at a molecular level, and how M cells maintain normal gut and lung tissues and induce immune responses to protect against microbial challenges. In the future, the new insights will be essential pre-requisites for the development of mucosal-based interventions and vaccines that protect the gut and lung from infectious and inflammatory issues. The harnessing of effective immune responses to control such challenges, are of enormous fundamental and long-standing biological interest, and are amongst the most important areas of current scientific research.Read moreRead less
The impact of Hyaluronic Acid on growth factor signalling and angiogenesis. Blood vessel development is controlled by growth factor signalling. Vessels are attracted by and migrate along growth factor gradients, and this is controlled by the extracellular matrix (ECM). From the zebrafish model, we have identified a novel gene that modulates the ECM, impacting growth factor signalling and vessel development. The project will explore by what mechanism this gene impacts signalling. It will comprehe ....The impact of Hyaluronic Acid on growth factor signalling and angiogenesis. Blood vessel development is controlled by growth factor signalling. Vessels are attracted by and migrate along growth factor gradients, and this is controlled by the extracellular matrix (ECM). From the zebrafish model, we have identified a novel gene that modulates the ECM, impacting growth factor signalling and vessel development. The project will explore by what mechanism this gene impacts signalling. It will comprehensively define where in the embryo it is required and investigate what cofactors it interacts with to perform its function. Using genetic zebrafish and mouse models as well as cell culture models we will investigate the fundamental biology of this gene.Read moreRead less
Understanding self-organising tissues. This project will discover how an organ can form from a mixture of component cells by 'self-organisation'. Understanding of how this can occur, could potentially be applied to the bioengineering of organs from component cells.
Genetic variation of single cell transcriptional heterogeneity in HiPSCs. This project aims to investigate whether induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) can be used to study the functions of genetic variants associated with human phenotypes and cell fate decisions. The project will utilise technology to produce single cell RNA sequence data for 100,000s of cells. By sequencing individual cells, the genetic control of cellular heterogeneity both within and between cells can be identified, and in ....Genetic variation of single cell transcriptional heterogeneity in HiPSCs. This project aims to investigate whether induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) can be used to study the functions of genetic variants associated with human phenotypes and cell fate decisions. The project will utilise technology to produce single cell RNA sequence data for 100,000s of cells. By sequencing individual cells, the genetic control of cellular heterogeneity both within and between cells can be identified, and in doing so, will provide significant benefit by revealing the potential for iPSC to be used for functional translation of human genomics.Read moreRead less
Early career teacher induction: Supporting precarious teachers. This project aims to investigate the ways in which Australian induction policies support precariously employed early career teachers to effectively manage student classroom behaviour. This project expects to generate new knowledge of workforce development and induction experiences of early career teachers employed on casual and short-term contracts. Expected outcomes of this project include alternative policy and practice recommenda ....Early career teacher induction: Supporting precarious teachers. This project aims to investigate the ways in which Australian induction policies support precariously employed early career teachers to effectively manage student classroom behaviour. This project expects to generate new knowledge of workforce development and induction experiences of early career teachers employed on casual and short-term contracts. Expected outcomes of this project include alternative policy and practice recommendations to support the transition of insecure replacement teachers within the profession. The benefits of this research include, improving teachers’ classroom management practices; the retention of new teachers; improving teacher workforce development; and building a healthier education system. Read moreRead less
The structure and patterning of branching morphogenesis in the developing kidney. This project aims to understand a fundamental developmental process known as branching morphogenesis, which drives the formation of many organs including the kidney, lungs and glands. Understanding this process will be of key importance in understand how our organs form.
Naming the world: early years literacy and sustainability learning. The project seeks to produce knowledge about new forms of literacy emerging in sustainability education. For children born in the 21st century, the enmeshing of natural and human forces in the survival of the planet requires conceptual and practical innovation. Early childhood education can be a fundamental driver in this process. This project aims to integrate literacy and sustainability to produce powerful new learning for you ....Naming the world: early years literacy and sustainability learning. The project seeks to produce knowledge about new forms of literacy emerging in sustainability education. For children born in the 21st century, the enmeshing of natural and human forces in the survival of the planet requires conceptual and practical innovation. Early childhood education can be a fundamental driver in this process. This project aims to integrate literacy and sustainability to produce powerful new learning for young children. It plans to theorise new forms of literacy emerging in sustainability education, articulate innovative pedagogies, and inform national and international policy and practice to address 21st century learning imperatives.Read moreRead less
Education meets play: a sociological study of how the new compulsory national learning framework for children zero to five years influences educators' practice. New theorising about play and education in early childhood settings has challenged traditional notions of play. This project investigates how educators respond to the requirement for play-based learning by identifying characteristics of successful educators and professional leaders, and strategies and practices that merge education and p ....Education meets play: a sociological study of how the new compulsory national learning framework for children zero to five years influences educators' practice. New theorising about play and education in early childhood settings has challenged traditional notions of play. This project investigates how educators respond to the requirement for play-based learning by identifying characteristics of successful educators and professional leaders, and strategies and practices that merge education and play.Read moreRead less
Migration-Dependent Signalling in Macrophages . The project aims to investigate a mechanism of communication used by immune cells to guide each other towards sites of damage. The project will characterise newly revealed cell signalling membrane trails left behind by migrating cells, utilising biochemistry, innovative imaging and microscopy and a transparent zebrafish model to view cell migration through living tissues. Expected outcomes include new fundamental knowledge in the area of immune cel ....Migration-Dependent Signalling in Macrophages . The project aims to investigate a mechanism of communication used by immune cells to guide each other towards sites of damage. The project will characterise newly revealed cell signalling membrane trails left behind by migrating cells, utilising biochemistry, innovative imaging and microscopy and a transparent zebrafish model to view cell migration through living tissues. Expected outcomes include new fundamental knowledge in the area of immune cell migration with relevance to the basic biology of inflammation, repair and regeneration and new innovations for cell imaging. Significant benefits are expected to arise from this new knowledge and from advanced skills training and improved national capabilities in bio-imaging and analysis.Read moreRead less