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Host cell targets of bacterial virulence effectors. The research described in this proposal will result in a better understanding of the cell biology of host-pathogen interactions. We are in a unique position to analyze the importance of protein/protein interactions between bacterial virulence determinants and host cell proteins using a range of cell biology techniques to address the fundamental, molecular basis of the host-pathogen interaction. In addition we will construct a new genetic tool ....Host cell targets of bacterial virulence effectors. The research described in this proposal will result in a better understanding of the cell biology of host-pathogen interactions. We are in a unique position to analyze the importance of protein/protein interactions between bacterial virulence determinants and host cell proteins using a range of cell biology techniques to address the fundamental, molecular basis of the host-pathogen interaction. In addition we will construct a new genetic tool to identify novel bacterial virulence determinants. We anticipate that a greater knowledge of the factors that contribute to the host-pathogen interaction will provide new insights into the subversion of host cell processes by bacterial pathogens of animals, plants and humans.
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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
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140101493
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$368,720.00
Summary
A glycomics approach towards the discovery of novel markers of virus transmission by mosquitoes. The incidence of human and animal diseases caused by mosquito-borne pathogens has increased at an alarming rate globally. This project utilises state-of-the-art glyco-virological approaches and an arbovirus model system to identify new markers associated with virus transmission by mosquitoes. Markers associated with transmission will be identified by establishing global glycan and lectin profiles of ....A glycomics approach towards the discovery of novel markers of virus transmission by mosquitoes. The incidence of human and animal diseases caused by mosquito-borne pathogens has increased at an alarming rate globally. This project utilises state-of-the-art glyco-virological approaches and an arbovirus model system to identify new markers associated with virus transmission by mosquitoes. Markers associated with transmission will be identified by establishing global glycan and lectin profiles of the cells derived from a major mosquito species. This will fill a significant gap in our knowledge of basic transmission mechanisms in mosquitoes. The research strategy is a world-first and the institute is an international leader in this area. Read moreRead less
Variation in bacterial genomic mutation rates. Our measurement of global mutation rates will contribute to an understanding of the evolutionary properties of bacteria, the most diverse and successful organisms in the biosphere. Bacterial variation and culture richness contributes not only to ecological processes but also to emerging diseases. The studies will enhance capabilities essential in interpreting the evolution of epidemics and the kinetics of bacterial sweeps in nature. Variation also p ....Variation in bacterial genomic mutation rates. Our measurement of global mutation rates will contribute to an understanding of the evolutionary properties of bacteria, the most diverse and successful organisms in the biosphere. Bacterial variation and culture richness contributes not only to ecological processes but also to emerging diseases. The studies will enhance capabilities essential in interpreting the evolution of epidemics and the kinetics of bacterial sweeps in nature. Variation also provides the source material for exploitation of bacterial products such as antibiotics. The results from understanding a complete set of mutational changes through genomic analysis will provide the most direct estimates of variation in evolving bacteria.Read moreRead less
Detection of imported exotic strains of West Nile virus for national biosecurity surveillance. West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes a fatal disease of the brain in animals and humans. WNV is currently exotic to this country, however a closely related, but benign cousin of this virus (Kunjin) can be found in Northern Australia. Currently it is very difficult to differentiate between infections with WNV and Kunjin using standard laboratory tests, therefore it will be diff ....Detection of imported exotic strains of West Nile virus for national biosecurity surveillance. West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes a fatal disease of the brain in animals and humans. WNV is currently exotic to this country, however a closely related, but benign cousin of this virus (Kunjin) can be found in Northern Australia. Currently it is very difficult to differentiate between infections with WNV and Kunjin using standard laboratory tests, therefore it will be difficult for public health officials to detect WNV if it is introduced to Australia. In this project we aim to develop more accurate laboratory tests to detect infections with the deadly, exotic WNV using new strategies. Read moreRead less
Evolutionary and ecological complexity in an experimentally controlled environment. Understanding the capacity and mechanism of microbial evolution provides the framework for developing new strategies for preventing infectious disease. If we know how evolution works, it will be possible to hamper the capacity to evolve as a mechanism of preventing new diseases and controlling existing ones. This project will provide a mechanistic description of evolution in real time under controlled conditions. ....Evolutionary and ecological complexity in an experimentally controlled environment. Understanding the capacity and mechanism of microbial evolution provides the framework for developing new strategies for preventing infectious disease. If we know how evolution works, it will be possible to hamper the capacity to evolve as a mechanism of preventing new diseases and controlling existing ones. This project will provide a mechanistic description of evolution in real time under controlled conditions. This detailed information will be used in the education of the public and in debates about evolution. The project will also train at least five students in molecular and evolutionary microbiology, essential for facing future challenges.
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Mechanisms and management of inducible tolerance to synthetic insecticides and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-formulations in Australian populations of diamondback moth. Insects have a cunning ability to respond to damaging environments by evolving genetic resistance or mobilising metabolic tolerance mechanisms. Recent observations of inducible tolerance to synthetic and biopesticides, which can be transmitted to offspring by a maternal effect has the potential to cause ecological and economic prob ....Mechanisms and management of inducible tolerance to synthetic insecticides and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-formulations in Australian populations of diamondback moth. Insects have a cunning ability to respond to damaging environments by evolving genetic resistance or mobilising metabolic tolerance mechanisms. Recent observations of inducible tolerance to synthetic and biopesticides, which can be transmitted to offspring by a maternal effect has the potential to cause ecological and economic problems in agricultural production. We will use field-collected Diamondback moth (DBM), a major insect pest in canola and brassica vegetable crops, to investigate the genetic implications of inducible tolerance for the integrated management of DBM and for the design of new resistance management strategies.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130101169
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Understanding how bacteria become sticky. This study will investigate the machinery used by bacteria to build specialised sticky fibres which allow them to attach to surfaces. The outcomes will significantly advance our understanding of how bacteria generate molecular weapons enabling them to survive and to infect humans and animals.
Identifying Novel Biosynthetic Pathways in Mycobacteria using DNA Microarray Technology. DNA microarrays are a powerful new bioinformatics-based technology and an ideal tool for characterising complex biosynthetic pathways since the expression of all genes in the bacterial genome can be monitored in a single experiment. In this project we aim to construct and use a DNA microarray to identify novel biosynthetic pathways in mycobacteria. Of particular interest are pathways used to create compone ....Identifying Novel Biosynthetic Pathways in Mycobacteria using DNA Microarray Technology. DNA microarrays are a powerful new bioinformatics-based technology and an ideal tool for characterising complex biosynthetic pathways since the expression of all genes in the bacterial genome can be monitored in a single experiment. In this project we aim to construct and use a DNA microarray to identify novel biosynthetic pathways in mycobacteria. Of particular interest are pathways used to create components of the highly complex and poorly characterised cell wall. Since this structure is unique in the bacterial world, we expect to identify and characterise pathways that are unique to mycobacteria.Read moreRead less
The cellular basis of sex-specific responses to virus infection. This project aims to explore how the sex of cells impacts virus infections in culture. To date, the sex of cells in culture has been overlooked as an important source of biological variability, but may be found to affect basic science through to anti-viral drug discovery. Using a model in which a virus can be adapted to grow better in cells of a single sex, this project expects to generate new knowledge about how sex differences im ....The cellular basis of sex-specific responses to virus infection. This project aims to explore how the sex of cells impacts virus infections in culture. To date, the sex of cells in culture has been overlooked as an important source of biological variability, but may be found to affect basic science through to anti-viral drug discovery. Using a model in which a virus can be adapted to grow better in cells of a single sex, this project expects to generate new knowledge about how sex differences impact virus-host interactions. This project expects to provide new insights into sex-based differences in how cells detect and respond to virus infection, and the extent to which the sex of cells impacts viruses in general.Read moreRead less