Determining Fundamental Mechanisms Compromised In Kir-linked Disease States
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,040.00
Summary
The human nervous system and organs are reliant on precisely controlled transmission of electrical currents through sodium and potassium channels. Their core functions are compromised when currents fail to switch on and off normally. Faulty potassium channels are implicated in diabetes, epilepsy and heart failure. This project re-examines the mechanisms controlling potassium channels, with a view to scientific and therapeutic discrimination between the different classes present in human cells.
Mechanism Of Anoxic Iron Acquisition In Pathogenic Bacteria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$536,280.00
Summary
All organisms require iron for their survival, including all bacterial species. Bacterial pathogens growing in anaerobic environments, such as in our gut, gum, or tissue, sequester iron through the divalent iron transporter FeoB. We aim to divulge the mechanism of iron transport through FeoB by structural and functional studies, and thus provide a scaffold for a non-conventional antimicrobial target.
Characterising The Beta-catenin Nuclear Targeting Pathway In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$485,081.00
Summary
Bowel cancer is caused by inherited gene mutations that cause build-up of beta-catenin protein in the cell nucleus. Bowel cancer is the second largest cause of cancer deaths in Australia. We aim to study the mechanisms controlling beta-catenin accumulation in the nucleus. We will characterise new signalling pathways that control movement and activity of beta-catenin in the nucleus. This will yield insights into the role of beta-catenin in cancer and possible targets for therapy.
Structural And Functional Studies On RNA Nuclear Retention Mediated By Paraspeckles: A Novel Gene Regulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$290,978.00
Summary
Dynamic interactions between proteins and nucleic acids are essential process in gene regulation, where aberrant regulation leads to various diseases including cancers. The project aims to examine the interactions between paraspeckle proteins and nucleic acid molecules via determination of the structures of protein-nucleic acid complexes at the atomic level. The results will provide a better understanding of a recently discovered gene regulation mechanism and a basis for new gene therapy.
Respiratory failure at birth is a major cause of death and disease in newborn infants. At birth the airways must be cleared of liquid to allow the inhalation of air, but, little is known about the process of lung aeration, because it has not been possible to observe or measure it. We have developed imaging and analytical techniques to observed and measure lung aeration. We will determine ventilation procedures that promote uniform lung aeration and minimise lung injury in ventilated infants.
Synchrotron X-ray Assessment Of Airway Surface Physiology For Cystic Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$778,228.00
Summary
We seek a cure or long-lasting therapy for the fatal airway disease in cystic fibrosis. Disease is caused by a shallow and dehydrated airway surface liquid (ASL), allowing bacteria to infect the lung. We can introduce a corrective gene into mouse airways where it can be effective for over 1 yr, but no fast, accurate and non-invasive measurement exists to test if treatments are successful. We will develop methods using synchrotron light to directly measure ASL depth changes in live mouse airways.
Significance Of Low-level Mosaicism To Intellectual Disability In Paediatric Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$483,402.00
Summary
My vision for the next 4 years is to improve outcomes for children and their families with inherited disorders associated with intellectual disability (ID) and autism through earlier diagnosis and intervention. This is of great importance with annual costs of ID close $14.72 billion to the Australian health system, and missed or delayed diagnoses being a significant problem, as ID is found in 1.7% of births, where a specific cause is currently identified in less than half.
Discovering the molecular controls of epigenetic inheritance . This project aims to investigate the way in which acquired traits can be inherited. The environment that an individual is exposed to can change the characteristics of not only that individual, but also their children and grandchildren. We do not yet understand the mechanisms by which this “epigenetic inheritance” occurs. Using interdisciplinary approaches, this project combines the power of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans ....Discovering the molecular controls of epigenetic inheritance . This project aims to investigate the way in which acquired traits can be inherited. The environment that an individual is exposed to can change the characteristics of not only that individual, but also their children and grandchildren. We do not yet understand the mechanisms by which this “epigenetic inheritance” occurs. Using interdisciplinary approaches, this project combines the power of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans with cutting-edge single molecule microscopy techniques to determine the molecular mechanisms by which the environment can impact future generations. This should ultimately provide society with the means to harness the power of epigenetics.Read moreRead less
Particle astrophysics with the Pierre Auger observatory. Australia's scientific reputation is enhanced through participation in international collaborations that aim to solve long-standing mysteries in science. The Pierre Auger Observatory covers a huge 3000 square km in western Argentina, where we are attempting to solve one of the biggest puzzles in modern astrophysics - the origin of the highest energy cosmic rays, particles 100 million times more energetic than we can produce on Earth. Ade ....Particle astrophysics with the Pierre Auger observatory. Australia's scientific reputation is enhanced through participation in international collaborations that aim to solve long-standing mysteries in science. The Pierre Auger Observatory covers a huge 3000 square km in western Argentina, where we are attempting to solve one of the biggest puzzles in modern astrophysics - the origin of the highest energy cosmic rays, particles 100 million times more energetic than we can produce on Earth. Adelaide scientists were founding members of the Auger project, and now have leading roles within the experiment. This is providing our students with access to world-class facilities and researchers in a field which has moved to the mainstream of astrophysics research.Read moreRead less
Searches for the Origin of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays. The highest energy cosmic rays are the most energetic particles known in the Universe, but we do not know their origin. The ARC-supported Pierre Auger Project is now beginning data acquistion, and will be fully constructed in 2005, with a collecting power 10 times larger than previous experiments. The proposed fellow will collaborate with the Adelaide group in searching for clusters of arrival directions, with an aim of discovering astro ....Searches for the Origin of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays. The highest energy cosmic rays are the most energetic particles known in the Universe, but we do not know their origin. The ARC-supported Pierre Auger Project is now beginning data acquistion, and will be fully constructed in 2005, with a collecting power 10 times larger than previous experiments. The proposed fellow will collaborate with the Adelaide group in searching for clusters of arrival directions, with an aim of discovering astrophysical sources. This project will involve sophisticated event reconstruction and analysis techniques, which take advantage of Auger's unique combination of huge collecting power and good control of systematic uncertainties.Read moreRead less