1. Immunohistological mapping of proteoglycans in developing tissues and scaffolds for regeneration of cartilage
Chondrocyte expresses different phenotypes and produces different matrix molecules, such as proteoglycans (PG’s), when placed in different environments. 3-dimensional scaffolds such as alginate beads and cell pellet cultures have been demonstrated to be ideal culture systems for chondrocytes because they offer the possibility of maintaining the cartilage phenotype for a more successful regeneration of cartilage. PG’s consist of a protein core decorated with highly sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s). They are essential components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and they also interact with other matrix molecules, which modulates cell growth and differentiation. This investigation involves using immunohistochemistry and high-power microscopy to map the localisation of PGs and their interacting matrix molecules, which are produced in the ECM by human chondrocytes cultured in different 3D scaffolds. Probing of PGs from human and mouse tissues will also be conducted using anti-PG and anti-GAG antibodies as a comparison to the in vitro scaffolds, this will provide us a better understanding of the possible roles these PG’s play in our tissue.
Contact Details: A/Prof. John Whitelock j.whitelock@unsw.edu.au and Christine Chuang c.chuang@student.unsw.edu.au
2. Confirmation of adhesive proteins on glucosamine containing biomaterials
Cells stick to biomaterials via the adsorption and denaturation of proteins from complex biological fluids. Most of these proteins are present in the extracellular matrix including plasma and we are interested in determining the sites within them that contain the cell adhesive signal and how this changes on various surfaces. The project will involve the growing of cells on various protein substrates, and probing them and their extracellular environments with antibodies.
Contact Details: A/Prof. John Whitelock j.whitelock@unsw.edu.au and Dr Megan Lord m.lord.unsw.edu.au
3. Image rendering algorithms for the Bionic Eye project
The Australian Vision Prosthesis Group aims to restore some visual perception to persons suffering profound vision impairment through research, design, construction and trialing of a stimulating retinal neuroprosthesis - a so-called "bionic eye".
The bionic eye project covers a wide range of research and development activities, covering areas from many scientific disciplines, including materials science, chemistry, physiology, psychology, computer science, and electronic engineering. A major aspect of the project is the testing and further development the bionic eye implant itself - a custom designed chip in a ceramic encapsulation designed to be embedded inside the eye.
The aim of Taste of Research project is to develop and trial image processing algorithms applicable to the bionic eye project. The work will focus on programming an OMAP dual-core processor, obtaining images from a camera, processing the images and providing these images via a computer screen to normally sighted people to evaluate the effectiveness of various algorithms in conveying information. Presenting images to a normally sighted subject is an analogue to the restored perception provided to visually impaired .
The development will be mainly done using C/C++ programming but there is also the opportunity to look at implementations in hardware description languages such as VHDL. As well, there is an opportunity for the developed system to control the implant itself by providing the processed information via a wireless communication system.
The student will be working with a team of academics, engineers, postgraduate and undergraduate students, and will be able to participate in a variety of other aspects of the project, including major scientific experiments involving the bionic eye implant. The Group provides a friendly, active and supportive environment, with the opportunity to investigate new and novel ideas.
Professor Nigel Lovell N.Lovell@unsw.edu.au
Phil Preston p.preston@unsw.edu.au
Webpage: http://bionic.gsbme.unsw.edu.au/
4. Determining Chondroitin Sulfate Structure by using Mass
Spectrometry
Proteoglycans are a special class of glycoproteins which are decorated with sugars called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Of these GAGs, Chondroitin Sulfate, is attached to Aggrecan which is one of the main proteoglycans in joint cartilage and it is responsible for resistance to compression. In a diseased state such as osteoarthritis, there is a degradation of cartilage leading to changes in GAG structure. We can study these changes through the use of mass spectrometry (ESI LC-MS) which have the advantages of sensitivity of detection, accuracy and structural isomer differentiation.
This project involves collaborative work with a postgraduate student at Proteome Systems, a local biotechnology company located in North Ryde (near Macquarie University). Training and use of glycoproteomic techniques include electrophoresis, western blotting, enzyme digests as well as a strong emphasis on chemical methods for preparing samples for mass spectrometry. This project is ideal for those with a keen interest in chemistry/biochemistry and it will provide valuable experience within an industrial environment.
Contact Details: A/Prof John Whitelock j.whitelock@unsw.edu.au and Ruby Estrella ruby.estrella@student.unsw.edu.au
5. Pushing the limit - Effects of serum reduction/starvation on
derived mesenchymal stem cells
Introduction - MSCs have significant therapeutic potential. During in vitro culture, these cells are maintained with high serum content, which is notreplicated when the cells are implanted, either in supporting scaffolds or directly as cell suspensions. Furthermore, the source of serum (usually bovine) carries risks of animal-borne contaminants undesirable in the clinical setting. However serum starvation is known to induce cell death,cell differentiation or transformation, all of which are undesirable in
clinical applications.
Aim - To investigate the effect of reduced serum level on primary bone
marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells in culture.
Approach -
- MSCs will be cultured in stepwise reduction (halving) serum concentration
to allow adaptation
- Measure viability and proliferation rate
- Observe changes in cellular morphology (light microscopy)
And if time permits,
- Extract cell lysate for analysis using SDS-PAGE
- Examine differentiation capacity using histological staining techniques
Contact: Clive FcFarland (c.mcfarland@unsw.edu.au, +61 2 93853893).
or Cindy Shu (cindyshu@unsw.edu.au, +61 2 93853923)
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