Investigating The Antimicrobial Activity Of Zinc At The Host-pneumococcal Interface
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a human-only bacterium that is responsible for killing more than one million people every year. This project will analyse how the human immune system fights this bacterium, and subsequently, how the bacteria manages to subvert these attacks and survive in the human host. This will provide crucial information for developing new drugs against this pathogen, in an attempt to combat the ever-increasing problem of antibiotic resistance.
Integrated System Wide Characterization Of Microbiota And Host Factors Influencing Intestinal Colonization Resistance To The Healthcare Pathogen Clostridium Difficile
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$359,999.00
Summary
Naturally occurring bacteria play an important role in determining patient disease susceptibility, disease progression and ultimately, disease outcome. Over 1000 species of bacteria, contributing 10 times as many cells as found within a single individual. This project seeks to understand these communities, how they confer resistance to infection and how they can be manipulated, both naturally and through controlled introduction of bacteria to prevent disease or improve disease outcome.
The Role Of Cellular Microdomains In G-protein Coupled Receptor Signalling.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$385,297.00
Summary
Molecules communicate with cells by attaching to proteins called receptors on the outside of cells, and triggering a series of events inside the cell. These events initially include the assembly of multiple proteins at the cell surface. This project will examine the formation of receptors and other proteins into these ‘communication complexes’. This will provide novel targets for more selective drug development.