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Three distinguished scientists from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) have secured substantial funding through two Australian Research Council Discovery Project grants. Dr Anthony Duff, representing the National Deuteration Facility, and Dr Anton Le Brun, associated with the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, are joining forces with Professor Halim Kusumaatmaja from Durham University (UK), along with Chief Investigators Dr Richard Morris (UNSW) and Dr David Jacques.
The effort is fuelled by a grant of AU$ 624,720 and is geared towards a comprehensive exploration of the geometry of genome access, drawing valuable insights from the unique characteristics of HIV.
The objective of the project is to study the intricate mechanisms governing access to a cell’s nucleus and, consequently, its genome. The focus lies on a phase-separated diffusion barrier residing within the nuclear pore complex. Of particular interest is the observation that HIV, despite being over a thousand times larger than the limit for passive transport, can breach this barrier with its protective capsid intact.
To decode this phenomenon, the researchers plan to merge principles from soft-matter physics with recombinant assays. By doing so, they aim to uncover the elusive link between the distinct geometry of HIV capsids and their remarkable ability to subvert the defences of the cellular nucleus. The anticipated outcome of this research is nothing short of a paradigm shift in our understanding of nuclear access control, promising downstream benefits for fields such as virology, bioengineering, and biotechnology.
The experimental approach involves conducting a series of neutron reflectometry experiments at ANSTO’s Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering. The initial experiment, slated for early 2024, is designed to introduce deuterated HIV capsids to a monolayer of the polypeptides that fill the nuclear pore channel. This strategic setup aims to reveal the depth to which the capsid initially sinks, providing crucial insights into the penetration of the HIV capsid into the nuclear pore complex.
In a parallel endeavour, Professor Vanessa Peterson assumes the role of a co-investigator alongside Dr. Nana Wang, Professor Jiazhao Wang, Dr. Germanas Peleckis, Professor Hua Liu, all affiliated with the University of Wollongong, and Associate Professor Hansu Kim of Queen’s University (Canada). Their collaborative project, backed by a funding of AU$433,552, revolves around the exploration of Electrolyte and interface engineering of solid-state sodium batteries.
This technological initiative aims to push the boundaries of large-scale solid-state sodium-ion batteries, striving for enhanced safety compared to conventional liquid electrolyte batteries without compromising on performance. The key to achieving this lies in the innovative engineering of solid-state electrolytes and electrolyte-electrode interfaces. The project leverages statistical and machine-learning techniques to gain a fundamental understanding of sodium-ion transport mechanisms.
The expected outcomes encompass a profound understanding of ion-transport mechanisms in batteries, the delivery of advanced solid-state electrolytes boasting high ionic conductivity, and the development of batteries characterised by exceptional performance and safety attributes. These advancements are poised to contribute significantly to Australia’s environmental sustainability goals.
These two research projects spearheaded by ANSTO scientists underscore the institution’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation. The interdisciplinary nature of these endeavours, combining principles from physics, bioengineering, and materials science, exemplifies the collaborative and multifaceted approach necessary for addressing complex challenges in fields ranging from virology to battery technology.
The outcomes of these projects have the potential to reshape our understanding of fundamental biological processes and contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies with far-reaching implications for the scientific community and society at large.
