Novel Perspectives On The Function Of AB5 Toxin B Subunits
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,041,896.00
Summary
AB5 toxins are important virulence factors of pathogenic bacteria. They comprise pentameric B subunits that bind to target cell surfaces and catalytic A subunits that damage host cell functions. This proposal examines a new paradigm wherein the B subunits are significant contributors to cell damage. We will characterize the cytopathic properties of diverse B subunits, particularly those of emerging toxins. This will provide novel insights into pathogenesis and inform development of therapeutics.
Multidrug Recognition And Resistance In Staphylococcus Aureus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,978.00
Summary
Strains of Staphylococcus aureus (Golden Staph), resistant to almost all available anti-staphylococcal agents, are responsible for serious infections among patients; in some hospitals such outbreaks reach epidemic proportions. Resistance has emerged to all classes of antimicrobial agents. We will increase our understanding of proteins that confer resistance by pumping multiple antimicrobials out of the cell to ultimately design more effective antibacterials able to bypass such drug pumps.
Non-coding RNA Regulation Of Virulence In Enterohaemorrhagic E. Coli
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$389,313.00
Summary
Shiga toxins cause potentially fatal haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and are transferred between bacterial pathogens by bacteriophage (bacterial viruses). We have recently found that the Shiga toxin encoding bacteriophage encodes an unusually large number of non-coding RNAs (RNA regulators of gene expression). This Project aims to understand how these RNA regulators benefit the Shiga toxin bacteriophage and use this knowledge to develop interventions that will prevent expression of the toxin.