Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120102166
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Identification and characterisation of anti-viral immune response genes in mosquitoes. Emerging viral diseases, transmitted by mosquito bite, present an increasing public health risk globally. Most research to date has neglected the infection dynamic in the insect vector. This project aims to characterise the defensive response of mosquitoes to viral infection, a potentially crucial factor in the epidemiology of vector-borne disease.
Bio-engineering Insect-Specific Flaviviruses for control of arboviruses. This project aims to study a family of commensal viruses of mosquitoes called insect-specific flaviviruses that are naturally found in mosquitoes and do not infect or cause disease in vertebrate hosts. Using an innovative approach, this project employs cutting-edge molecular virology approaches to modify these insect-specific flaviviruses to enhance their ability to block the replication of other pathogenic viruses in the m ....Bio-engineering Insect-Specific Flaviviruses for control of arboviruses. This project aims to study a family of commensal viruses of mosquitoes called insect-specific flaviviruses that are naturally found in mosquitoes and do not infect or cause disease in vertebrate hosts. Using an innovative approach, this project employs cutting-edge molecular virology approaches to modify these insect-specific flaviviruses to enhance their ability to block the replication of other pathogenic viruses in the mosquito vector. Expected outcome of this project is a bio-control strategy that is complementary to the Wolbachia approach. The anticipated benefits include the advancement of knowledge of insect-specific flaviviruses, and promotion of interdisciplinary research across the fields of Entomology and Virology.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120101512
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Investigating the interaction of microRNAs-Wolbachia-Dengue virus in the mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti. This project focuses on using molecular techniques to discover fundamental roles of small RNA molecules (microRNAs) of a key mosquito vector in bacterial symbiosis and Dengue virus infection. It will lead to development of effective approaches in limiting spread of vector and transmission of life threatening viral diseases.
Using viral inhibitors to understand the regualtion of apoptosis. Apoptosis is a form of cell death that is critical for the development and well-being of multicellular organisms. The activity of Bak or Bax, two members of the Bcl-2 family, are essential for apoptosis to proceed, but how the activity of these two proteins is regulated is unclear. Many viruses encode inhibitors of apoptosis and the project will make use of two novel viral inhibitors that specifically target Bak. The project aims ....Using viral inhibitors to understand the regualtion of apoptosis. Apoptosis is a form of cell death that is critical for the development and well-being of multicellular organisms. The activity of Bak or Bax, two members of the Bcl-2 family, are essential for apoptosis to proceed, but how the activity of these two proteins is regulated is unclear. Many viruses encode inhibitors of apoptosis and the project will make use of two novel viral inhibitors that specifically target Bak. The project aims to determine how the Bak inhibitors function and to provide valuable insights into the normal mechanisms regulating Bak activity.Read moreRead less
Regulation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication by viral and cellular proteins. Using a mouse model, human cells will be treated with a very powerful antiviral protein using a gene therapy approach so as to block the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from growing. By learning how this antiviral protein works, this project will assist in the development of new strategies to treat HIV infection.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140101493
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$368,720.00
Summary
A glycomics approach towards the discovery of novel markers of virus transmission by mosquitoes. The incidence of human and animal diseases caused by mosquito-borne pathogens has increased at an alarming rate globally. This project utilises state-of-the-art glyco-virological approaches and an arbovirus model system to identify new markers associated with virus transmission by mosquitoes. Markers associated with transmission will be identified by establishing global glycan and lectin profiles of ....A glycomics approach towards the discovery of novel markers of virus transmission by mosquitoes. The incidence of human and animal diseases caused by mosquito-borne pathogens has increased at an alarming rate globally. This project utilises state-of-the-art glyco-virological approaches and an arbovirus model system to identify new markers associated with virus transmission by mosquitoes. Markers associated with transmission will be identified by establishing global glycan and lectin profiles of the cells derived from a major mosquito species. This will fill a significant gap in our knowledge of basic transmission mechanisms in mosquitoes. The research strategy is a world-first and the institute is an international leader in this area. Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210101145
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$414,662.00
Summary
Investigating novel neurobiological mechanisms in rabies infection. This project aims to better understand the biology and functioning of the nervous system using an innovative multi-disciplinary approach informed by the rabies virus. The study intends to identify the molecular mechanism responsible for self-destruction in neurons. The project aims to gain this new knowledge by investigating the novel natural ability of rabies virus to subdue self-destruction mechanism in neurons. The principal ....Investigating novel neurobiological mechanisms in rabies infection. This project aims to better understand the biology and functioning of the nervous system using an innovative multi-disciplinary approach informed by the rabies virus. The study intends to identify the molecular mechanism responsible for self-destruction in neurons. The project aims to gain this new knowledge by investigating the novel natural ability of rabies virus to subdue self-destruction mechanism in neurons. The principal benefit is the gain of detailed knowledge about a fundamental biological mechanism at the intersection of neurobiology and virology. This has the potential to inform future research in areas such as the maintenance of neuronal health in ageing and better control of rabies infections. Read moreRead less
Seeking causes of unexplained respiratory illness in children by identifying new respiratory viruses. Many respiratory illnesses including the common cold, ear infections, asthma attacks, the flu and pneumonia have no known cause even after all specimen testing is complete. This project will use 'virus hunting' experience to find and sequence as-yet-undiscovered viruses from such specimens so that they can be studied in more detail.
Maintaining fidelity in viral Ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerases. This project will provide informed insights into the dynamics of viruses that currently impact a healthy start to life, ageing well and productively, and preventative healthcare. The analysis of viruses that cause gastroenteritis outbreaks will increase our understanding of how these viruses replicate and spread.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100091
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$250,000.00
Summary
A five laser multichannel flow cytometry cell sorter for the University of New South Wales as part of an advanced flow cytometry network. Flow cytometry is a technique for counting and examining microscopic particles, such as cells and chromosomes, by suspending them in a stream of fluid and passing them by an electronic detection apparatus. This project will establish such advanced cell sorting instrumentation at the University of New South Wales, providing this capability to a wide range of re ....A five laser multichannel flow cytometry cell sorter for the University of New South Wales as part of an advanced flow cytometry network. Flow cytometry is a technique for counting and examining microscopic particles, such as cells and chromosomes, by suspending them in a stream of fluid and passing them by an electronic detection apparatus. This project will establish such advanced cell sorting instrumentation at the University of New South Wales, providing this capability to a wide range of researchers in diverse fields. The project will also provide a basis for establishing a flow cytometry network with partner institutes University of Sydney and the University of Technology, Sydney.Read moreRead less