Marine sponge–microbe interactions and the origin of animal innate immunity. This project aims to address how the animal innate immune system evolved to discriminate between potential pathogens versus beneficial symbionts by studying a marine sponge holobiont. Using advanced genomic and cellular approaches, the project will uncover deeply conserved regulatory pathways used by the cells of sponges, humans and other animals, and thereby identify cardinal rules governing animal innate immunity and ....Marine sponge–microbe interactions and the origin of animal innate immunity. This project aims to address how the animal innate immune system evolved to discriminate between potential pathogens versus beneficial symbionts by studying a marine sponge holobiont. Using advanced genomic and cellular approaches, the project will uncover deeply conserved regulatory pathways used by the cells of sponges, humans and other animals, and thereby identify cardinal rules governing animal innate immunity and its evolutionary origin. The project will provide an understanding of how beneficial microbial symbionts are recruited and maintained by animals, and are instrumental to the health of our environment and all its inhabitants.Read moreRead less
A conserved pathway of cell death in response to invading DNA. This project aims to characterise molecular details of a new pathway of foreign DNA recognition and rapid cell death. Recognition of foreign DNA is a key means by which both bacteria and eukaryotic cells can detect infections, as well as guard their own genome. Eukaryotic cell DNA is sequestered in the nucleus and organelles, and any DNA found in the cytosol is a danger signal. The project proposes that cytosolic DNA-induced cell dea ....A conserved pathway of cell death in response to invading DNA. This project aims to characterise molecular details of a new pathway of foreign DNA recognition and rapid cell death. Recognition of foreign DNA is a key means by which both bacteria and eukaryotic cells can detect infections, as well as guard their own genome. Eukaryotic cell DNA is sequestered in the nucleus and organelles, and any DNA found in the cytosol is a danger signal. The project proposes that cytosolic DNA-induced cell death is a fundamental eukaryotic defensive response, but surprisingly, the known pathway is restricted to macrophages of some mammals. Project outcomes may be applied to protein expression yield in biotechnology or advances in gene therapy.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE180100512
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,058.00
Summary
Bird flu in avian species: understanding the mechanisms of disease. This project aims to understand the genesis and pathogenesis of influenza virus in avian species. The project will investigate the role of bacteria in influenza severity in chickens, the role of avian endothelial cells in the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses and the susceptibility of Australia’s native black swans to influenza. This project will generate fundamental knowledge that may help reduce the severi ....Bird flu in avian species: understanding the mechanisms of disease. This project aims to understand the genesis and pathogenesis of influenza virus in avian species. The project will investigate the role of bacteria in influenza severity in chickens, the role of avian endothelial cells in the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses and the susceptibility of Australia’s native black swans to influenza. This project will generate fundamental knowledge that may help reduce the severity of influenza in avian populations and provide a new insight into the anti-viral response of an iconic Australian bird species.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220101221
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$453,614.00
Summary
Revealing bat antibody recognition mechanism against bat-borne viruses. Bats act as asymptomic reservoir hosts for numerous zoonotic viruses that are lethal in humans, indicating that the bat immune system can control these viruses. However, little is known about bat immunity including how bat antibodies recognise bat-borne viruses. This project aims to study bat anti-viral antibodies by utilising innovative protein engineering, cutting-edge cryo-EM technology and single-cell isolation and seque ....Revealing bat antibody recognition mechanism against bat-borne viruses. Bats act as asymptomic reservoir hosts for numerous zoonotic viruses that are lethal in humans, indicating that the bat immune system can control these viruses. However, little is known about bat immunity including how bat antibodies recognise bat-borne viruses. This project aims to study bat anti-viral antibodies by utilising innovative protein engineering, cutting-edge cryo-EM technology and single-cell isolation and sequencing. The project seeks to uncover bat-borne zoonotic virus glycoprotein architecture and reveal how bat antibodies function to inhibit viral infection. Expected outcomes will be new insight and tools to combat emerging and yet to emerge pathogens, enabling pandemic preparedness and increasing global biosecurity.
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