E. coli is a normal inhabitant of the human intestine, but some varieties can cause serious infections that may lead to the premature death of children, especially in less developed countries. The aims of this study are to learn more about these harmful varieties of E. coli and to enhance our ability to detect them in samples from patients and the environment.
Anti-sporulation Strategies For Clostridium Difficile Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$651,559.00
Summary
Hospital-acquired infections with the bacterium Clostridium difficile are a major global public health concern with highly virulent isolates emerging overseas in 2002 and in Australia in 2010. These strains have spread through our hospitals and are also found in the community. This project will increase our understanding of how these strains spread and will provide knowledge that is critical for developing improved strategies for preventing these infections.
Norovirus Infection At The Stress Granule-PKR-p-elF2α Axis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$505,967.00
Summary
This project application will aim to investigate and understand how viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhoea are able to infect, proliferate and spread within the human body. It aims to address how viruses are able to avoid and replicate in the presence of an effective immune response. We have evidence showing that Noroviruses are able to exploit certain antiviral proteins to paradoxically aid in virus replication and survival.
Combating E. Coli Diarrhoea By Disarming Bacterial Virulence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$674,737.00
Summary
E. coli causes severe and persistent diarrhoea which affects the health of millions of people worldwide. Although antibiotics may alleviate E. coli diarrhoea, these bacteria are becoming resistant to most drugs. In this study, we will use state-of-the-art technology to discover novel types of drug that treat and prevent infection with E. coli, without harming the beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Structure And Functional Characterisation Of AB5 Toxins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$574,890.00
Summary
The proposed research program, using a combination of structure and biochemical analyses, will provide insight into two novel AB5 toxins that represent a medically important family of proteins. This study will not only improve our fundamental understanding of AB5 toxins action but could lead to rational design of antimicrobials.
Genetic Validation Of Stat3 As A Tractable Pharmacological Target In Gastrointestinal Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,964.00
Summary
Cancers of the stomach and the colon are a major health burden. One of the central signaling molecules that drives these cancers is called Stat3. Here we propose to use a novel strain of mice that allows us to experimentally dial down the amount of Stat3 protein and hence to predict how effective a future anti-Stat3 cancer drug will be.
Antibiotic Treatment Of Male Partners To Reduce Recurrence Of Bacterial Vaginosis In Women: A Randomised Double-blind Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$636,674.00
Summary
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women. Healthy bacteria are lost and replaced by bacteria that cause unpleasant discharge and odour. BV puts women at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, HIV, miscarriage and preterm delivery. Over 50% of women given antibiotics get BV back again. Studies suggest these bacteria are being sexually transmitted. We are conducting a trial of antibiotic treatment of women and their male partners to improve BV cure.
Characterization Of Novel, Colitis Associated Pathobionts To Identify Therapeutic Targets In The Host Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$684,609.00
Summary
Applying cutting edge methods to grow bacteria from the human gut, we have identified three species, two previously unknown, that are found in many inflammatory diseases including Inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and in cancer immunotherapy patients who experience colitis. By characterizing these bacteria and the immune response in human cells we are seeking to discover novel targetted methods to prevent colitis and gastrointestinal inflammation.
Blood Serum MicroRNA Biomarkers For Oesophageal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,433.00
Summary
Oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) is the 6th commonest cause of cancer deaths in the Western World, and is increasing in incidence. In Australia most patients present late and require risky treatments with a low cure rate. There is a big difference in survival between individuals presenting early vs. late. Better methods to detect cancer early or detect pre-cancer will improve outcomes. Our research will develop a blood test for identifying individuals with early OAC to allow earlier treatment.
Hypoxic Regulation Of Integrin Beta1 During Mucosal Wound Healing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,104.00
Summary
Very little is currently known about how healing is initiated in the gut. Further understanding may allow us to improve the treatment of IBD wounding and allow new therapies to control the disease. Our work examines the role of an adhesion protein, ?1 integrin, important in the repair of intestinal wounds. Understanding the mechanisms of how ?1 integrin is involved in wound healing may allow the rational design of therapies to aid or accelerate wound healing in inflammatory disease.