Helicobacter Pylori VacA Toxin: Modulation Of Human Mitochondrial Function By A Bacterial Pathogen
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$508,003.00
Summary
This work will greatly further our understanding of how a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, causes stomach ulcers and cancer. We will use cutting edge model systems to study the VacA toxin that is secreted from the bacteria and is targeted to human cells. We will examine where the toxin goes and how it affects our cells. It is expected that the improved understanding that will arise from this work will assist researchers to better devise drugs against this prevalent pathogen.
Towards An Understanding Of Dynamic Genetic Regulation At A Global Scale In Bacteria: A Systems Biology Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,000.00
Summary
To achieve major breakthroughs in the understanding of the regulation of gene transcription in bacteria at a global scale. High throughput technologies (living cell arrays, tiling DNA microarrays, multidimensional liquid chromatography proteomics and quantitative metabolomics) will be developed in conjunction with new computational modelling concepts to facilitate the understanding of biological complexity. The iterative process of simulations and model driven targeted experiments will generate ....To achieve major breakthroughs in the understanding of the regulation of gene transcription in bacteria at a global scale. High throughput technologies (living cell arrays, tiling DNA microarrays, multidimensional liquid chromatography proteomics and quantitative metabolomics) will be developed in conjunction with new computational modelling concepts to facilitate the understanding of biological complexity. The iterative process of simulations and model driven targeted experiments will generate novel hypotheses about the mechanistic nature of dynamic cellular responses, unravel emerging systems properties, and ultimately provide an efficient roadmap to tackle novel, pathogenic organisms.The role of my laboratory in this project is to perform subcellular localisation of transcription factors, establish standard operating procedures (with other groups) for growth, imaging and image analysis, precisely quantify 6 transcription factors under 3 standardised growth conditions for incorporation into metabolic models, and perform some analysis of transcription complexes.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Interferon-regulatory Factors In The Host Defense Against Bacterial Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$355,711.00
Summary
Type I interferons are used in the treatment of viral infection. However, the therapeutic potential of type I interferons for the treatment of bacterial infection is not known because we do not fully understand their functional roles and regulation in hosts infected with bacteria. My proposal aims to investigate the role of one family of regulatory proteins, known as interferon-regulatory factors, in the host defense against foodborne bacteria.
Understanding The Relationship Of Incretin Hormones, Gastric Emptying And Reactive Hypoglycaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Low blood glucose levels following a meal occur frequently in otherwise healthy people and those who have had surgery for weight loss. It affects quality of life adversely and current management is unsatisfactory. The proposed studies will use sophisticated techniques to evaluate the roles of the rate of stomach emptying and the so-called 'incretin' hormones which stimulate the release of insulin after a meal. The outcomes will have major implications for more rational management.
Establishment Of A Biomarker To Test Molecular Risk Of Gastric Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$834,448.00
Summary
Less than 20% of patients live 5 years after a diagnosis of gastric cancer (GC). This is due to the advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. We have no markers to monitor therapy of cancer. This proposal aims to use next generation sequencing to find specific genetic changes in a persons tumour that can be used to monitor therapy. We aim to use the same technology to group patients into high-risk or low risk for development of GC. This will allow specific screening only for those at high-risk.
Structural Basis For Helicobacter Pylori Adhesion To Host Epithelial Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$665,328.00
Summary
The aim of this grant is to understand how the bacteria that cause gastric cancer and ulcers interact with the cells that line the stomach. This information will be used to develop new treatments to combat disease.