Importance of Wzx flippase specificity for O-antigen diversity. The Wzx protein flips subunits of the polysaccharide O antigen (O-units) across the cell membrane on their way to the cell wall. The aim of this project is to determine the specificity that different Wzx flippases have for O unit structure. Previous research has shown that there is much more specificity than previously thought, making Wzx a very interesting protein. Wzx flippases vary enormously in sequence, presumably reflecting th ....Importance of Wzx flippase specificity for O-antigen diversity. The Wzx protein flips subunits of the polysaccharide O antigen (O-units) across the cell membrane on their way to the cell wall. The aim of this project is to determine the specificity that different Wzx flippases have for O unit structure. Previous research has shown that there is much more specificity than previously thought, making Wzx a very interesting protein. Wzx flippases vary enormously in sequence, presumably reflecting the diversity of sugars and linkages in O units. The significance lies in the role of these polysaccharides in interactions with the environment, including host-pathogen interactions and immune responses. The outcome will be a new understanding of the export specificity of O-antigens and also capsules, both of which make very good vaccines. Read moreRead less
Body fluids: sweet protection against infection? Serious health problems caused by pathogenic microorganisms are in sharp increase due to aging population, escalating numbers of immunocompromised people and the increased resistance of microorganisms to currently available antibiotics. Our research will lead to development of new approaches to protect people and animals from pathogens before they invade the body. The commercial possibilities for new and natural antimicrobials are present from bot ....Body fluids: sweet protection against infection? Serious health problems caused by pathogenic microorganisms are in sharp increase due to aging population, escalating numbers of immunocompromised people and the increased resistance of microorganisms to currently available antibiotics. Our research will lead to development of new approaches to protect people and animals from pathogens before they invade the body. The commercial possibilities for new and natural antimicrobials are present from both the health and agricultural sectors in Australia and abroad. The technologies used and further developed will serve as a state-of-the-art training ground for the next generation of postgraduate students encompassing the integration of genomics, proteomics and glycomics technologies.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100091
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$250,000.00
Summary
A five laser multichannel flow cytometry cell sorter for the University of New South Wales as part of an advanced flow cytometry network. Flow cytometry is a technique for counting and examining microscopic particles, such as cells and chromosomes, by suspending them in a stream of fluid and passing them by an electronic detection apparatus. This project will establish such advanced cell sorting instrumentation at the University of New South Wales, providing this capability to a wide range of re ....A five laser multichannel flow cytometry cell sorter for the University of New South Wales as part of an advanced flow cytometry network. Flow cytometry is a technique for counting and examining microscopic particles, such as cells and chromosomes, by suspending them in a stream of fluid and passing them by an electronic detection apparatus. This project will establish such advanced cell sorting instrumentation at the University of New South Wales, providing this capability to a wide range of researchers in diverse fields. The project will also provide a basis for establishing a flow cytometry network with partner institutes University of Sydney and the University of Technology, Sydney.Read moreRead less