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| Chief Investigator | Project title | Project description | Preferred educational background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Develop and evaluate a picto-graph tool to measure quality of life |
This project will develop a quality of life instrument for economic evaluation of health care programs that uses pictures rather than written questions. The instrument will be designed to be easier to complete for those with cognitive decline / dementia or other issues that affect written communication. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
Psychology or speech pathology / communication background interested in instrument development and quality of life | |
| Dementia modelling using large data |
This project will develop new methods of data analysis to incorporate into future models of dementia care. Large datasets will be interrogated to understand the patterns of care and health care usage of people with dementia and identify predictors of poor and good outcomes. Data will be drawn from linked datasets and available longitudinal studies. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
High level quantitative analysis skills required preferably with large data. Must be familiar with latent class analysis or have the ability to gain this skill. | |
| Control of selective microRNA release via exosomes and microvesicles |
This project aims to understand the fundamental mechanisms regulating the selective loading of microRNA (miRNA) to extracellular vesicles (exosomes and microvesicles) to effect cell-to-cell communication. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
Biochemistry, Biomedical Science | |
| Rapid functional and taxonomic skin microbe characterisation |
This multi-disciplinary project aims characterise human skin microbes using a broad range of molecular techniques including FT-IR spectroscopy for rapid taxonomic identification, mass spectrometry for microbial metabolite identification and proteomics analysis, also proteomics and RNA sequencing to monitor response of skin cells to microbial products. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, Bioinformatics | |
| Neural mechanisms of vestibular perception in zebrafish |
The vestibular system allows us to perceive gravity and movement, but we do not have a thorough understanding of how the brain processes information from vestibular sensors in our inner ears. This project proposes a novel preparation in the zebrafish model for exerting forces on the inner ear with a laser, thereby stimulating the vestibular sense. Critically, this means that the animal will experience vestibular stimuli while it is stationary. This will allow calcium imaging of neurons that respond to vestibular cues, and the use of optogenetics to stimulate or silence these neurons. This will reveal just what cells and circuits mediate vestibular perception, processing, and behaviour in a way that has been previously impossible. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
Optical Physics, Bioinformatics, or Neuroscience | |
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Associate Professor Trent Woodruff
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Discovery of new innate immune therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease |
This project will develop and test novel therapeutics targeting the innate immune system to block inflammation. It will also progress these compounds into early preclinical animal testing regimes in models of neurological disease. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
Background in pharmacology/ pharmacokinetics or drug discovery |
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Therapeutic blockade of neuroinflammation for the treatment of motor neuron disease |
This project will test the efficacy of novel drugs target innate immune-mediated neuroinflammation in mouse models of motor neuron disease (MND). It will also identify mechanistic activity using in vitro neuron/glia cultures and clinical validation using MND patient ex vivo samples. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
Background in pharmacology or neuroscience research |
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| Therapeutic blockade of neuroinflammation for the treatment of Huntington’s disease |
This project will test the efficacy of novel drugs targeting innate immune-mediated neuroinflammation in mouse models of Huntington’s disease (HD). It will also identify mechanistic activity using in vitro neuron/glia cultures and clinical validation using HD patient ex vivo samples. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
Background in pharmacology or neuroscience research | |
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Understanding the role of microglia as regulators of adult neurogenesis in the intact, injured and ageing brain |
The hippocampus is one of the primary brain structures critical for learning and memory. The continuous and regulated production of new neurons – adult neurogenesis – in this part of the brain is believed to underpin some of the hippocampal-based cognitive functions. These newborn neurons are produced from a pool of neural precursor/stem cells, and we have previously shown that microglia (the resident immune cells) play a key role in this process although the mechanisms behind this remain poorly understood. The project will investigate the role of microglia as regulators of adult neurogenesis following traumatic brain injury and during ageing, and the implications of this for behavioural outcomes. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
Molecular biology / Immunology / Neuroscience |
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Novel regulators of placental trophoblast cell-cell fusion: implications for preeclampsia |
The cellular barrier separating the placental circulation consists in large part of syncytiotrophoblast (STB) cells, a highly specialized multinucleated cell that mediates critical transport and endocrine functions. The health and function of the post-mitotic STB relies on the input of new material by fusion with underlying mononuclear progenitor cells, a process which is dysregulated in pregnancy complications such preeclampsia (PE). Our lab has identified a novel regulator of trophoblast cell-cell fusion, one which is also dysregulated in placentas complicated by PE. The current project aims to characterize this new pathway at the molecular level, using primary human cell cultures and transgenic mouse models. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
The ideal candidate will have a BSc (Hons), with courses in cell biology, developmental biology and/or genetics. Previous experience with tissue culture and molecular biology methodologies a plus |
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The role of SNX proteins in formation of endosome transport carriers |
The spatial arrangement of proteins within a cell is of fundamental importance and impacts on all biological processes and pathways. Membranes and proteins are in constant motion within cells and transport pathways control and direct this traffic flow. This flux of internalized and secreted material must be precisely coordinated and this is achieved through a common network of intracellular membrane-bound compartments, the endosomal system. Fidelity of transport through the endosomal system thus requires mechanisms that precisely sort cargoes for delivery to a range of different destinations. This is achieved by cargo engaging specific sorting machinery that is responsible for their accumulation into tubules that then undergo scission to generate endosome-transport carriers (ETCs). Overall this project will determine the contribution of individual sorting nexin proteins has on the formation of the distinct ETC types and to the sorting of a range of cargo actively transported by these vesicles. A detailed definition of these ETC’s at the molecular level will reveal the number of transport pathways emanating from endosomes to other organelles which represents the final membrane transport pathway yet to be fully described. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
Cell Biology, Microscopy |
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Biomarkers of diabetic retinopathy |
Using diabetic mouse models, we are looking for early biomarkers to predict diabetic retinopathy. Pathophysiological roles of identified biomarkers will also be investigated. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
BSc (Hon) in physiology, molecular biology or pathology. |
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| Genetics and pathology of fetal and neonatal sulphate deficiency |
This PhD project will investigate the genetics and pathophysiology of nutrient sulphate deficiency in human fetal and neonatal development. The project will incorporate clinical, biochemical, genetic and molecular biology approaches. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
Biomedical Science degree, preferably with Honours or equivalent research experience. | |
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Clinical trial of nicotine vaporisers for smoking cessation among priority populations living with co-morbidities |
This pragmatic, open-label randomised partial cross-over trial aims to evaluate if adding a nicotine maintenance intervention (a nicotine vaporiser) to standard quit support intervention improves quit rates for these populations and whether offering both interventions concurrently is more effective and cost-effective than offering the interventions sequentially. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
Health and related fields such as Medicine, Public Health, Nursing, Psychology etc |
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| Stand up to dementia |
This project explores relationships of lifestyle behaviours with cognitive decline. The project may incorporate epidemiological as well as health behaviour intervention approaches. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
Health and related fields such as Medicine, Public Health, Psychology etc. | |
| Improving quality of care for people with dementia in the acute care setting (DemQI) |
This multi-disciplinary project will implement a whole of hospital assessment system, and a Research Collaboration for Quality Care. The aim is to replace the nursing admission assessment for adult patients at the beginning of an acute care episode to an electronic assessment which comprehensively targets assessment and risk in less than 15 minutes; and reports Quality Indicators for patient outcomes. The project will include all older adults admitted to acute care, but focus on opportunities to improve the quality of care for people with dementia by improving the screening for cognitive impairment in hospital. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
Research experience either in the field, Masters or Hons. Students who are currently completing honours and due to finish in 2017 with a strong GPA will also be considered. Health and related fields such as Psychology, Medicine, Public Health, Nursing, etc. |
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| Targeting Immunopathology in Chronic Disease |
Misfolding of some proteins occurs during biosynthesis, especially the complex secretory and transmembrane proteins assembled in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). When protein misfolding occurs in the ER it leads to a condition known as ER stress. Part of normal cellular housekeeping, a complex molecular network has evolved to promote proper folding, and identifies and degrades misfolded proteins. Protein misfolding is an inherent part of ageing and evidence is accumulating that with age the stress response declines. This project will be focussed on the working hypothesis that the unfolded protein response decreases in the intestinal epithelial cells with ageing and that this may be the primary contributor to the low-grade inflammation reported in ageing and could be targeted to ensure healthy ageing. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
BSc Hons | |
| Targeting Immunopathology in Chronic Disease |
The cytokine, IL-22 is a regulator of mucosal integrity and tissue repair. We recently identified IL-22 as a major regulator of glucose homeostasis. Our studies show that IL-22 potently repressed the production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) in human and mouse islet cells exposed to inflammatory cytokines, free fatty acids, tunicamycin or H2O2, while decreasing basal RNS production in unstressed cells. Using an oxidative RT-PCR array, we further showed that IL-22 down-regulated key oxidative stress inducing genes and concomitantly up-regulated antioxidant genes, demonstrating that IL-22 suppresses oxidative and Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress within the pancreatic β-cell to improve the production of high quality insulin. in this project the aims is to delineate the relationship between IL-22, and gut/hypothalamic satiety signaling and determine if these effects are indirectly regulated by IL-22 in obesity. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
BSc Hons | |
| Enhancing host defence mechanisms in severe bacterial infections |
New options to treat bacterial infections are needed because of the rapid increase in antibiotic resistance. One very attractive strategy is to boost the body’s own defence mechanisms against bacteria. Using molecular, cell biological and in vivo techniques, this project defines host cell molecular mechanisms that can be manipulated to better control bacterial infections. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
Immunology, Microbiology, Cell biology | |
| Evaluation of biomarkers and responsive cell pathways in reproductive biology |
The project involves the measurements of compounds (lipids, nucleic acids and proteins/cytokines) from biological fluids (e.g milk/plasma) and cell culture media. In particular, we are examining the roles of eicosanoids and endocannabinoids in fertility and pregnancy using Mass Spectrometry and ELISA. Other techniques such as PCR arrays and miRNA profiling will also be used with the aim to study higher and lower fertility metabolic and reproductive pathways, including within exosomal cargo. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
Degree in any related area from cell to molecular biology or equivalent | |
| Transcriptional regulation of brain size during development |
Here, we aim to understand the factors mediating normal brain size during development, as well as how these factors contribute to adult neurogenesis and neurodevelopmental disorders such as hydrocephalus. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
BSc (Hons – first class) | |
| Ca2+ cycling and heat generation in muscle |
This project will uncover the mechanisms that enable mammalian skeletal muscle to play a major role in generating the heat required to maintain a constant body temperature. The ability to modulate body heat played a defining role in the evolution of species, their behaviour and global distribution. All vertebrates have muscle but only mammals and birds can use muscle to provide an essential modulatory role in whole body resting heat production. The muscle spends most of its time in a resting state (not contracting), when vital heat production must occur. How heat production occurs in resting muscle is of fundamental importance and will be defined for the first time, providing new avenues to manipulate metabolic rate and counter obesity. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
BScHons in physiology or similar | |
| Effect of heavy load exercise on Ca2+ handling in human skeletal muscle |
This project will look at the movements of calcium associated with delayed onset muscle soreness and uncover the mechanisms that the muscle fibres employ so that the muscle is protected from long-term injury. The project will be based around imaging calcium, associated proteins and membrane networks inside human muscle fibres from subjects before and after strenuous exercise. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
BScHons in physiology or similar | |
| Therapeutic blockade of neuroinflammation for the treatment of Huntington’s disease |
This project will test the efficacy of novel drugs targeting innate immune-mediated neuroinflammation in mouse models of Huntington’s disease (HD). It will also identify mechanistic activity using in vitro neuron/glia cultures and clinical validation using HD patient ex vivo samples. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
Background in pharmacology or neuroscience research | |
| Investigating the timing and mechanism of spermatogonial stem cell allocation in the fetal testis |
This project addresses a fundamental biological question: how the spermatogonial stem cell (SCC), a unique type of stem cell that generates sperm throughout life, is allocated during fetal development. We aim to determine exactly when and how SSCs are specified, and further, whether a genetic pathway that is used by in vitro stem cells is also employed, in vivo, by testicular stem cells – all of this work will be done in the mouse model. Students will enrol through the Faculty of Medicine. |
Experience or interest in the fields of developmental biology, stem cell biology or reproductive biology |