Disulfide catalysis and protein folding in bacterial virulence. The molecular mechanisms that underpin disulfide bond formation have had a major impact on our understanding of protein folding and function. This project will make a major contribution to fundamental areas of disulfide catalysis pathways in bacterial pathogens and thus help maintain a strong international profile for Australian research in this field. The work will lead to training of research scientists and students in techniques ....Disulfide catalysis and protein folding in bacterial virulence. The molecular mechanisms that underpin disulfide bond formation have had a major impact on our understanding of protein folding and function. This project will make a major contribution to fundamental areas of disulfide catalysis pathways in bacterial pathogens and thus help maintain a strong international profile for Australian research in this field. The work will lead to training of research scientists and students in techniques that include molecular genetics, protein biochemistry and structural biology. Our findings may impact future directions for vaccine research on pathogens that cause life threatening infections in humans and therefore lead to improved health and reduced health care expenditure.Read moreRead less
Mosquito-borne viruses - how they cause disease and novel approaches to prevention. In Australia, Ross River virus (RRV) is the most common insect borne virus that affects human health. There were more than 60,000 confirmed cases of RRV between 1993 and 2008. While not fatal, the disease is responsible for significant morbidity that has both social and economic costs for the individual, their family and the community. This project has several national benefits. It will elucidate whether there is ....Mosquito-borne viruses - how they cause disease and novel approaches to prevention. In Australia, Ross River virus (RRV) is the most common insect borne virus that affects human health. There were more than 60,000 confirmed cases of RRV between 1993 and 2008. While not fatal, the disease is responsible for significant morbidity that has both social and economic costs for the individual, their family and the community. This project has several national benefits. It will elucidate whether there is an association between RRV strain and the severity of disease and if there are human factors that affect the seriousness of symptoms. Knowledge of both of these could provide new avenues for the design of prevention and treatment strategies.Read moreRead less