Objectives: 1. Study means to determine, simply, which fish are ciguatoxic. ; 2. Determine if ciguatoxin from Qld waters is identical to classical ciguatoxin; whether any geographical or temporal trends 3. precise pharmacological action of ciguatoxin to improve treatment of victims
Seafood CRC: Discovery And Manipulation Of Neoparamoeba Perurans Aquaporins As A Means To Treat Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$53,250.00
Summary
Cumulative data from other parasites suggests that blocking of Aquaporin channels (AQPs) may provide a suitable target for the use of pharmaceuticals to control these diseases. Neoparamoeba share many similarities with other pathogens. However, there is a need to correctly identify the Neoparamoeba AQPs at the molecular level, to undertake preliminary studies to show that these AQPs can be blocked preferentially (without affecting Atlantic salmon AQPs), and to show that block of the parasite AQP ....Cumulative data from other parasites suggests that blocking of Aquaporin channels (AQPs) may provide a suitable target for the use of pharmaceuticals to control these diseases. Neoparamoeba share many similarities with other pathogens. However, there is a need to correctly identify the Neoparamoeba AQPs at the molecular level, to undertake preliminary studies to show that these AQPs can be blocked preferentially (without affecting Atlantic salmon AQPs), and to show that block of the parasite AQPs results in inhibition or death of the Neoparamoeba. Central to this work and indeed to any further AGD research is a need to develop low cost, rapid and reliable assays of salmon gill cell – Neoparamoeba interactions. These in-vitro assays would lead to real dollar savings in the search for alternative AGD treatments by providing high throughput capability to assess multiple treatment options (pharmaceuticals, vaccines, chemicals). They provide a means of investigating amoebae – gill interactions as well as differential (pathogen versus host) effects of treatments. Dr Benita Vincent at CSIRO has begun pilot development of these assay systems with good early success, however, further resources are required to see this work to fruition. Objectives: 1. To clone and sequence Neoparamoeba perurans aquaporins 2. To screen a library of known aquaporin blockers against both Neoparaomoeba perurans and Atlantic salmon aquaporins in an in-vitro Xenopus oocyte system 3. To refine and establish routine protocols for an Atlantic salmon gill cell line and in vitro assay for examining amoeba-gill and treatment interactions 4. To take the best identified aquaporin blockers (from objective 2) and test these in vitro to determine if they kill or inhibit Neoparamoeba perurans without affecting Atlantic salmon cells Read moreRead less
Potential Pharmaceutical Products From Australian Beche-de-mer
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$30,000.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To evaluate the levels of theraputic activity in different species of Beche-de-Mer to identify the richest sources for these potential pharmaceuticals. 2. To improve the extraction and purification protocols to facilitate fractionation of Beche-de-mer species. 3. To examine different methods of post catch handling to preserve the therapeutic activities. 4. To test these stabilised fractions for therapeutic activities in animal models commonly used to trial dr ....Objectives: 1. To evaluate the levels of theraputic activity in different species of Beche-de-Mer to identify the richest sources for these potential pharmaceuticals. 2. To improve the extraction and purification protocols to facilitate fractionation of Beche-de-mer species. 3. To examine different methods of post catch handling to preserve the therapeutic activities. 4. To test these stabilised fractions for therapeutic activities in animal models commonly used to trial drugs for human use. Read moreRead less
Development Of Iron Complexes For The Treatment Of FriedreichÍs Ataxia & The Role Of Frataxin In Iron Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,143.00
Summary
Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is a neuro- & cardio-degenerative disease where there is an accumulation of toxic iron (Fe) in the mitochondrion. Work from our current NHMRC grant showed iron plays a significant role in FA pathology In fact, the CIs dissected the mechanisms of mitochondrial iron-loading & have published 8 papers in high impact journals with 3 papers in PNAS USA in the last 2 yrs Understanding of this process has led to the design of rationalised drugs for FA This work in this Renewal c ....Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is a neuro- & cardio-degenerative disease where there is an accumulation of toxic iron (Fe) in the mitochondrion. Work from our current NHMRC grant showed iron plays a significant role in FA pathology In fact, the CIs dissected the mechanisms of mitochondrial iron-loading & have published 8 papers in high impact journals with 3 papers in PNAS USA in the last 2 yrs Understanding of this process has led to the design of rationalised drugs for FA This work in this Renewal could lead to novel therapies for FARead moreRead less
Pharmacology And Pathology Of Ciguatera Poisoning In Mammals And Studies On The Possible Effects Of Ciguatoxin On Fish
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. To isolate ciguatoxin to obtain a more precise knowledge of the fundamental mode of action of ciguatoxin in producing the severe clinical signs that are often observed in cases of ciguatera poisoning
Development Of Sponge (Spongia Spp.) Farming As A Viable Commercial Enterprise For Remote Aboriginal Communities
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$15,000.00
Summary
There is an urgent need for employment and income generating projects within remote communities of northern Australia.
Despite there being several excellent sites for aquaculture near indigenous communities, there is currently no significant indigenous involvement in aquaculture in Northern Australia. This is partially the result of cultural norms in communities not being compatible with the intensive and high technology farming systems now in common use. There is a need to develop sma ....There is an urgent need for employment and income generating projects within remote communities of northern Australia.
Despite there being several excellent sites for aquaculture near indigenous communities, there is currently no significant indigenous involvement in aquaculture in Northern Australia. This is partially the result of cultural norms in communities not being compatible with the intensive and high technology farming systems now in common use. There is a need to develop small-scale projects with a level of technology that will allow the participation of indigenous groups.
Such projects will form the basis for a diversified aquaculture industry in the NT which will be inclusive of both indigenous and non-indigenous groups in remote areas. Such projects have the capacity to generate income from a comparatively low investment and collectively form a significant export for the NT.
The proposed project will: *meet a well-defined need and contribute to the public good. *Form the basis for the development of a viable, community based aquaculture industry that will enhance the aquaculture industry of the NT and provide employment and income to remote communities. *Provide a basis for future research into the establishment of appropriate sponge farming systems in the NT. *Involve members of indigenous communities in the identification of options and related research - direct involvement of community members will be a primary method of extension Objectives: 1. Determine commercially viable sponge species in Northern Territory waters. 2. Identify markets for bath/cosmetic sponges. 3. Complete an economic evaluation of potential sponge farming systems in the NT. Read moreRead less
Establishment Of A Database Of Information On Seafood Post-harvest Technology Within The International Food Institute Of Australia COMPLETED REFER 93/199
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$63,678.13
Summary
Objectives: 1. Develop a computerised system for storage & retrieval of information on processing, handling, storage & transport of seafoods. 2. Design and commission a sample database of techo\nological information for assessment by potential users 3. Enter available information and publicise the IFIQ advisory service