Retroviral invasion of the koala genome: Where did it come from and what is it doing now that its there? Although some populations of free-ranging koalas are flourishing, many are in decline as a result of habitat loss and disease. We have shown that a recently identified virus that has infected koalas throughout most mainland Australian populations is associated with high rates of cancer in these animals. This project will study the growth properties of this virus and the mechanism by which it ....Retroviral invasion of the koala genome: Where did it come from and what is it doing now that its there? Although some populations of free-ranging koalas are flourishing, many are in decline as a result of habitat loss and disease. We have shown that a recently identified virus that has infected koalas throughout most mainland Australian populations is associated with high rates of cancer in these animals. This project will study the growth properties of this virus and the mechanism by which it causes cancer in order to provide a foundation for developing intervention strategies for protection of this iconic Australian species.Read moreRead less
Retroviral invasion of the koala genome: prevalence, transmission and role in immunosuppressive disease. Koalas are a national symbol yet many of their populations are in decline as a result of habitat loss and disease. Lymphoid cancers and opportunistic infections are significant diseases in both captive and wild koala populations. We previously demonstrated that the recently identified koala retrovirus is associated with lymphoid cancer in koalas. This project will determine the distribution o ....Retroviral invasion of the koala genome: prevalence, transmission and role in immunosuppressive disease. Koalas are a national symbol yet many of their populations are in decline as a result of habitat loss and disease. Lymphoid cancers and opportunistic infections are significant diseases in both captive and wild koala populations. We previously demonstrated that the recently identified koala retrovirus is associated with lymphoid cancer in koalas. This project will determine the distribution of the virus in Australia, the mechanism of its spread and its effect on the immune function of koalas. This research will provide a foundation for better management of captive koalas and for conservation of wild koalas.Read moreRead less