Role Of Regulatory Genes In The Gastrointestinal Pathogen, Clostridium Difficile
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$287,036.00
Summary
When patients are treated in hospital with antibiotics they sometimes develop chronic diarrhoea or colitis syndromes that are very difficult and expensive to treat. This project involves the analysis of the bacterium that generally causes these gastrointestinal diseases. We know that this microorganism is present in the hospital environment and that it produces potent protein toxins that are responsible for these diseases but we know little about the actual disease process. In most bacteria that ....When patients are treated in hospital with antibiotics they sometimes develop chronic diarrhoea or colitis syndromes that are very difficult and expensive to treat. This project involves the analysis of the bacterium that generally causes these gastrointestinal diseases. We know that this microorganism is present in the hospital environment and that it produces potent protein toxins that are responsible for these diseases but we know little about the actual disease process. In most bacteria that cause disease there are regulatory networks that control the expression of the genes responsible for the disease process. In this project, we aim to develop an understanding of how these regulatory networks operate in this particular bacterium. The latest techniques of molecular biology will be used to investigate several specific regulatory genes at the functional level. Since the entire DNA sequence of this bacterium is now known we will also use a broader research approach that makes use of this knowledge to examine all of potential regulatory networks that exist in this bacterium. Finally, we will develop new methods for the genetic analysis of the causative bacterium so that we will be better able to elucidate the role of specific genes in the disease process. By understanding how this bacterium controls the production of the proteins that interact with human intestinal cells to cause disease we hope to be able to prevent such diseases from occurring. The successful completion of the project therefore will make a major contribution to the development of improved methods for the control and treatment of these chromic diarrhoea and colitis syndromes.Read moreRead less
Virulence Strategies Of LEE-negative Shiga Toxigenic Escherichia Coli
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$230,246.00
Summary
Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) are a diverse group of pathogens that cause serious gastrointestinal disease in humans, which can lead to life-threatening complications. This project is aimed at understanding how these bacteria cause disease, and is focused on a subset of STEC strains that are highly virulent and produce a novel cytotoxin. A better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of STEC is essential for development of improved therapeutic and preventative strategies.