The genetic diversity of the dingo, Australia's largest indigenous carnivore, has been a long-standing research interest of Dr. Alan Wilton.
Integration of Cellular Gene Regulation Processes
This research aims to identify specific transcriptional regulatory networks in yeast, to determine how some of these control networks interact with or isolate themselves from each other, and within these networks to identify the roles of genes that are currently of unknown function. We have identified a global system controlling 1-C metabolism in the cell, and have data for cellular responses to other compounds in the external environment.
This project will further characterise the molecular basis of the one-carbon regulation system by microarray technology, extend the analysis to other responses such as amino acid metabolism, and then determine how genes respond to a defined combination of different stimuli on a global scale. The ultimate goal is to determine the ‘rules’ whereby genes respond to multiple stimuli (a much more common situation in the normal environment). This research involves collaboration with bioinformatic colleagues with interests in data mining, pattern analysis and mathematical modeling of biochemical and regulatory pathways.
Selected References (available on request)
- Piper, M.D., Hong, S.P., Ball, G.E. and Dawes, I.W. (2000). Regulation of the balance of one-carbon metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J. Biol. Chem. 275, 30987-30995.
- Gelling, C.L., Piper, M.D.W., Hong, S-P., Kornfeld, G.D. and Dawes, I.W. (2004). Identification of a novel one-carbon regulon in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J. Biol. Chem. 279, 7072-7081.
BABS personnel that are responsible for this project