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Membrane transporters and channels

RSB research focuses on membrane transporters and ion channels, targeting them to treat diseases like type 2 diabetes and cancer. Computational methods explore ion channel functions and transport processes in malaria parasites.

About

Membrane transporters and ion channels play a crucial role in the provision of nutrients to organisms and cells, they remove toxic compounds and waste, and are crucial in regulating excitability in the nervous system. In the Research School of Biology we target ion channels to treat human diseases and target transporters to treat type 2 diabetes and cancer. We use computational approaches to study the function of ion channels and investigate transport processes in parasites as novel targets to combat Malaria.

Groups

A group of seven diverse people smiling and standing together in front of a building with greenery.

We use powerful biological resources provided by C. elegans to study aspects of nematode biochemistry, molecular biology and behaviour, and control methods.

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A digital molecular model showing a complex protein embedded within a cellular membrane, surrounded by blue and red molecules, with chemical structures displayed below.

The Brock lab loves membrane proteins; looking at them in atomic detail, discovering new drug molecules, and engineering them to create new biosensors. Join us!

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A group photo

Broer group studies the role of amino acid transport in the onset of insulin resistance and the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism.

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A group of twelve diverse people smiling for a photo in a sunny park with tall trees and grass in the background.

We work on engineering strategies to increase crop tolerance to salinity and drought, and to advance water filtration technology.

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Scientific illustration of a molecular structure embedded in a cellular membrane, highlighted by colorful molecules and particles.

Corry group's research examines the structure and function of membrane proteins.

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Danila group

Our group studies plasmodesmata to answer important plant science questions related to development, cellular transport, root biology, signalling and evolution.

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A 3D rendering of a tangled purple protein chain with two green molecules embedded within it.

We aim to identify new potential targets for antibacterial agents, using structural biology, biochemistry and bacteriology methods.

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Five people smiling and sitting at an outdoor bench in a parklike setting with trees and a building in the background.

We study membrane transport processes in the Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria.

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Denisse Leyton

We study how autotransporters are assembled into bacterial outer membranes, and how they function to mediate infection and disease once they get there.

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Maier group

The Maier Group focusses on the identification of molecules involved in malaria pathogenesis and transmission.

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Illustration showing how cyanobacteria and carboxysomes support photosynthesis in a tobacco plant, detailing the flow of molecules like CO2 and sugars.

The Price lab is presently focusing on the molecular biology and physiology of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria (blue-green photosynthetic bacteria) and plants

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A close-up of a mosquito feeding on human skin, with a droplet of blood visible.

The Saliba Group is investigating vitamin utilisation pathways in the red blood cell stage of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

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Group photo

We study the basic biology of parasites, with the hope that such knowledge can be used in developing new treatment options against these formidable foes.

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A group photo

We are investigating aspects of carbon acquisition by plants including the biochemistry of CO2 fixation and regulation of CO2 diffusion into and within leaves.

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Projects

In 2007 chronic pain was experienced by 3.1 million Australians and it is estimated to cost the country 34 Billion each year in health costs and lost productivity.

Student intake

Open for Bachelor, Honours, Master, PhD students

People

Projects are available to characterise these transporters and to study human mutations causing membrane transporter diseases.

Drug resistance in the human malaria parasite

A proteomics approach to understand the role of plasmodesmata in plant-pathogen interaction.

Student intake

Open for Summer scholar, Honours students

People

Infection with the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes modifications of the erythrocyte membrane composition and rigidity. In particular protrusions of the red blood cell membrane are induced – so called knobs. These knobs are believed to provide an elevated platform and anchor point from which a major virulence factor is sticking out.

Student intake

Open for Bachelor, Honours, Master, PhD students

People

Autotransporters are a large family of virulence proteins produced by Gram-negative bacterial pathogens responsible for infectious diseases such as diarrhoea, whooping cough, cholera, chlamydia, and bacterial meningitis.

Student intake

Open for Bachelor, Honours students

People

News

One of the malaria parasite's best weapons against drug treatments turns out to be an Achilles' heel, which could be exploited to cure the deadly disease.

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The Australian National University (ANU) has secured five prestigious Future Fellowships, two of which have been awarded to researchers in the Research School of Biology.

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Groups of scientists across ANU are teaming up to fight one of the world's most deadly diseases.

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Australian researchers have discovered a link between protein intake and improved control of blood glucose in mice, opening the way for potential new treatments for type 2 diabetes in humans.

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The Research School of Biology welcomes two new Group Leaders, Denisse Leyton and Guillaume Tcherkez.

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