The structure of heteromeric amyloid fibrils with signaling activity. This project aims to determine the composition, structure and properties of important protein complexes involved in a newly identified cell death pathway known as necroptosis. This cell death pathway removes unwanted or damaged cells during development or infection. These necroptosis protein complexes are unusual because they have a fibrillar amyloid structure, contain more than one protein type in the fibrils and have a funct ....The structure of heteromeric amyloid fibrils with signaling activity. This project aims to determine the composition, structure and properties of important protein complexes involved in a newly identified cell death pathway known as necroptosis. This cell death pathway removes unwanted or damaged cells during development or infection. These necroptosis protein complexes are unusual because they have a fibrillar amyloid structure, contain more than one protein type in the fibrils and have a functional, signalling role. The research will determine how these fibrils form and how the structures confers biological function. It could identify features in these fibrils that can be targeted as a means of ultimately preventing tissue damage after heart attack and stroke.Read moreRead less
Investigating novel pathways in ferroptosis. This project aims to develop new tools to investigate iron-mediated cell death and uncover new pathways involved in ageing. Accumulation of iron leads to frailty in late life, a process that appears common to all animals. Iron becomes reactive and inappropriately triggers a cell death process called ferroptosis leading to dysfunction. To understand these processes and to identify means to intervene, this project aims to use genetic approaches to ident ....Investigating novel pathways in ferroptosis. This project aims to develop new tools to investigate iron-mediated cell death and uncover new pathways involved in ageing. Accumulation of iron leads to frailty in late life, a process that appears common to all animals. Iron becomes reactive and inappropriately triggers a cell death process called ferroptosis leading to dysfunction. To understand these processes and to identify means to intervene, this project aims to use genetic approaches to identify new cell pathways that regulate ferroptosis. This project also aims to develop new tools to study this process. Outcomes of this project may include the identification of potential strategies to alter late life frailty with an expected benefit to life sciences and biotechnology industries.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
Control of developmental switches by importin 5. Aims: This project will study a key molecular switch called IPO5, a protein that is required for cells and organs to form and function normally, and it will reveal how it works.
Significance: These experiments will provide the first complete description of how this molecular switch controls the behaviour of a cell across its lifespan. IPO5 is highly conserved, so these studies will be relevant to a wide range of animals.
Expected Outcomes: This k ....Control of developmental switches by importin 5. Aims: This project will study a key molecular switch called IPO5, a protein that is required for cells and organs to form and function normally, and it will reveal how it works.
Significance: These experiments will provide the first complete description of how this molecular switch controls the behaviour of a cell across its lifespan. IPO5 is highly conserved, so these studies will be relevant to a wide range of animals.
Expected Outcomes: This knowledge will reveal how IPO5 controls formation of sperm by revealing what other proteins it binds to and how this affects cell signaling and responses to the environment.
Benefits: This will provide information about potential interventions to control fertility or to repair abnormal cells.
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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
A novel DNA damage repair protein as a regulator of DNA double strand break repair and genome integrity. This project aims to define the function of a novel DNA damage repair protein. These data will provide a better understanding of DNA repair biology and may reveal novel diagnostic and treatment options for many diseases associated with DNA repair defects, including cancer.
Role of Musashi in the regulation of cell cycle proteins. We have identified a protein family that directs cell fate and maintains male fertility. This project will provide new avenues for generation of contraceptives in male animals and to regulate stem cells for production of specialised cell types in biotechnological applications.
How ribosomal protein loss affects cell fate. This project aims to challenge the dogma that the ribosome behaves only as a ‘‘house-keeper’’. Ribosomal protein (RP) mutations should, and often do, result in reduced cell growth and stunted animal development. Depletion of RPs in Drosophila blood cells impair stem cells and cause massive tissue overgrowth. This suggests RPs are involved in cell fate determination, which this project will research using genetic models. As ribosomal function is funda ....How ribosomal protein loss affects cell fate. This project aims to challenge the dogma that the ribosome behaves only as a ‘‘house-keeper’’. Ribosomal protein (RP) mutations should, and often do, result in reduced cell growth and stunted animal development. Depletion of RPs in Drosophila blood cells impair stem cells and cause massive tissue overgrowth. This suggests RPs are involved in cell fate determination, which this project will research using genetic models. As ribosomal function is fundamental to the development of all living organisms, this work could have wide implications for understanding all biology – from microbes, insects and plants to humans.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
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