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.
Wolbachia endosymbionts: novel strain dynamics in Australian Drosophila. This project aims to understand Wolbachia infections across Australian Drosophila flies. Wolbachia bacteria that live inside the cells of insects and other invertebrates are widely seen as a promising tool for pest and disease control. This project will assess the population distribution, host phenotypic effects, population dynamics and evolutionary context of multiple Wolbachia infections across Australian Drosophila flies ....Wolbachia endosymbionts: novel strain dynamics in Australian Drosophila. This project aims to understand Wolbachia infections across Australian Drosophila flies. Wolbachia bacteria that live inside the cells of insects and other invertebrates are widely seen as a promising tool for pest and disease control. This project will assess the population distribution, host phenotypic effects, population dynamics and evolutionary context of multiple Wolbachia infections across Australian Drosophila flies. The outcome will include new and novel strains for applied projects, new information on the fate of Wolbachia infections, and new insights into the factors that dictate the fate of Wolbachia infections across populations.Read moreRead less
Cross-kingdom communications via small non-coding RNAs. This project aims to determine the role of small non-coding RNAs in mosquito-Wolbachia interactions, including Wolbachia microRNAs, concentrating on exchanged microRNAs between the two organisms and explore microRNAs effect on Wolbachia maintenance and its anti-viral property. Small non-coding RNAs play significant roles in various biological processes, including host-microorganism interactions. Recent evidence suggests that small RNAs can ....Cross-kingdom communications via small non-coding RNAs. This project aims to determine the role of small non-coding RNAs in mosquito-Wolbachia interactions, including Wolbachia microRNAs, concentrating on exchanged microRNAs between the two organisms and explore microRNAs effect on Wolbachia maintenance and its anti-viral property. Small non-coding RNAs play significant roles in various biological processes, including host-microorganism interactions. Recent evidence suggests that small RNAs can be exchanged between microorganisms and their hosts and regulate gene expression in the other organism. The endosymbiotic bacterium, Wolbachia, has attracted worldwide attention due to inhibiting replication of various vector-borne pathogens in mosquito vectors.Read moreRead less
Regulatory cellular microRNAs and their role in insect anti-viral responses. This project will use cutting edge approaches to reveal fundamental roles of small ribonucleic acid molecules (microRNAs) in insect anti-viral responses and immunity. By manipulating anti-viral immune responses, the project will assist in the design of novel approaches to pest control and abolish/limit transmission of vector-borne viruses such as Dengue virus.