The role of N-linked protein glycosylation in Campylobacter jejuni. It is estimated that 300,000 Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) infections occur in Australia annually, causing a vast economic loss. This project will assist in the understanding of the role of glycosylation and will significantly aid in determining how C. jejuni colonises humans and poultry and lead to the discovery of interventions to reduce the organism in poultry for human consumption.
Host-pathogen interactions: the role of mimicry. The proposed research program, using a combination of structure and functional analysis will provide insight into the mechanism of nucleotide hydrolysis by the enzymes NTPDases. This study will not only improve our fundamental understanding of NTPDase action but could lead to the rational design of antimicrobials.
A novel family of amino acid transporters in Apicomplexan parasites. Apicomplexan parasites are single celled organisms that are the causative agents of major diseases in livestock and humans. However, the basic biochemistry of these intracellular parasites is poorly understood, and there are limited treatments available for the diseases these parasites cause. The project hypothesis is that a novel family of proteins that are unique to apicomplexan parasites play a key role in the uptake of esse ....A novel family of amino acid transporters in Apicomplexan parasites. Apicomplexan parasites are single celled organisms that are the causative agents of major diseases in livestock and humans. However, the basic biochemistry of these intracellular parasites is poorly understood, and there are limited treatments available for the diseases these parasites cause. The project hypothesis is that a novel family of proteins that are unique to apicomplexan parasites play a key role in the uptake of essential nutrients (amino acids) into these organisms. This project aims to use a combination of genetic, biochemical and physiological methods to understand the function of these proteins, the role(s) that they play in apicomplexan biology, and their importance for parasite survival.Read moreRead less
Structural and functional analysis of the protein kinase R. We have shown that protein kinase R (PKR) plays a key role in regulating the body's response to virus infections, inflammation and cancer. This project will identify mechanisms that regulate the activity of PKR and provide information useful for the development of novel drugs.
Investigation of a Novel Protein Implicated in Phosphate Metabolism in Bacteria. Phosphate is an important nutrient for all forms of life on Earth. A novel bacterial protein has been identified that appears to be important for the uptake or processing of phosphate, since mutants lacking the protein grow poorly inside certain cells of the human immune system (where phosphate levels are low) and in media containing low phosphate. The aims of this project are: to determine the role of the protein b ....Investigation of a Novel Protein Implicated in Phosphate Metabolism in Bacteria. Phosphate is an important nutrient for all forms of life on Earth. A novel bacterial protein has been identified that appears to be important for the uptake or processing of phosphate, since mutants lacking the protein grow poorly inside certain cells of the human immune system (where phosphate levels are low) and in media containing low phosphate. The aims of this project are: to determine the role of the protein by examining all phosphate containing molecules in our mutants; to determine its location in bacteria and functional domains; to identify other affected genes in our mutants; and, to find proteins that interact with this new protein. This project expects to demonstrate the importance of this protein in phosphate metabolism in bacteria.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100007
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$650,000.00
Summary
A research platform for exploring the genotype: phenotype nexus. This project will allow us to connect the genetic code of an organism with its characteristic traits that are essential for its survival. The equipment will accelerate research that performs this translation, and will allow leading Australian scientists to continue to make breakthroughs in this field globally.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE180100202
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$255,120.00
Summary
Three-dimensional cryo correlative light and electron microscopy facility. This project aims to establish a three-dimensional (3D) cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy facility. The facility will integrate light microscopy with high resolution cryo-electron tomography and 3D slice-and-view focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy. The open access facility should create new capabilities for Australian researchers to tag biological events and structures with fluorescence markers and ....Three-dimensional cryo correlative light and electron microscopy facility. This project aims to establish a three-dimensional (3D) cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy facility. The facility will integrate light microscopy with high resolution cryo-electron tomography and 3D slice-and-view focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy. The open access facility should create new capabilities for Australian researchers to tag biological events and structures with fluorescence markers and image them using the currently highest resolution 3D imaging techniques for biological matter. The facility expects to reveal fundamental insights into cell and structural biology, and help drive innovation in agriculture, pharmaceutics, and biomaterials.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120102263
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Export of effector proteins by P. falciparum to the infected red blood cell. Infection by the malaria parasite has lethal consequences for humans. The parasite exports hundreds of proteins via a translocon to commandeer the red blood cell. This project aims to determine the function of one of the major translocon components and determine if it is a viable target for anti-malarial drug development.
Structural studies of host-pathogen interactions. The host-pathogen interface represents a major frontier for biomedical and biotechnological applications. This project aims to understand at the atomic level two such interfaces. In the first instance, the project will elucidate the molecular basis for inhibition of premature host cell death by poxviruses, in particular vaccinia and variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox. In the second instance, the aim is to understand how defensins, a ....Structural studies of host-pathogen interactions. The host-pathogen interface represents a major frontier for biomedical and biotechnological applications. This project aims to understand at the atomic level two such interfaces. In the first instance, the project will elucidate the molecular basis for inhibition of premature host cell death by poxviruses, in particular vaccinia and variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox. In the second instance, the aim is to understand how defensins, a major class of host defence molecules, recognise microbial targets such as fungi, and exert a potent antimicrobial effect. Understanding the precise molecular mechanisms operating at both these host-pathogen interfaces this will provide novel avenues for the design of antiviral and antimicrobial agents.Read moreRead less
Functional Dissection of the Bacterial Replisome. This project aims to develop and use a suite of new single-molecule techniques to define how the bacterial replisome really works. The replisome is the machine that makes DNA in cells that are about to divide. Replisomes have many mechanistic challenges as they work to copy both strands of DNA at the same time. Many years of classic biochemical studies have worked out how many of these challenges are overcome. In recent years, the use of single-m ....Functional Dissection of the Bacterial Replisome. This project aims to develop and use a suite of new single-molecule techniques to define how the bacterial replisome really works. The replisome is the machine that makes DNA in cells that are about to divide. Replisomes have many mechanistic challenges as they work to copy both strands of DNA at the same time. Many years of classic biochemical studies have worked out how many of these challenges are overcome. In recent years, the use of single-molecule biophysical techniques has begun to challenge many aspects of the elegant textbook view of replisome function. This approach is expected to reveal how synthesis of the two DNA strands in different directions at the same time is coupled together and how timing mechanisms work.Read moreRead less