Insect host/vector genetic responses to rhabdovirus infection. Rhabdoviruses cause important diseases in humans, animals and plants. These viruses are transmitted by insect vectors in which they persist and propagate, an intimate and specific association. Insect-rhabdovirus interactions will be studied at the molecular level using a planthopper-maize rhabdovirus model. Insect genes specifically induced by rhabdovirus infection as well as the viral genes themselves will be identified and characte ....Insect host/vector genetic responses to rhabdovirus infection. Rhabdoviruses cause important diseases in humans, animals and plants. These viruses are transmitted by insect vectors in which they persist and propagate, an intimate and specific association. Insect-rhabdovirus interactions will be studied at the molecular level using a planthopper-maize rhabdovirus model. Insect genes specifically induced by rhabdovirus infection as well as the viral genes themselves will be identified and characterized using genomics and bioinformatics tools. We will extend the same approaches to a comparative analysis of these planthopper genes with other insect-rhabdovirus systems under investigation in our institutes. Identification of viral genes expressed in insects, the insect genes that respond to virus infection, and interpretation of the roles of these genes in insects, may indicate new opportunities to control serious plant and animal diseases through control of virus transmission.Read moreRead less
Regulatory cellular microRNAs and their role in insect anti-viral responses. This project will use cutting edge approaches to reveal fundamental roles of small ribonucleic acid molecules (microRNAs) in insect anti-viral responses and immunity. By manipulating anti-viral immune responses, the project will assist in the design of novel approaches to pest control and abolish/limit transmission of vector-borne viruses such as Dengue virus.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120101512
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Investigating the interaction of microRNAs-Wolbachia-Dengue virus in the mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti. This project focuses on using molecular techniques to discover fundamental roles of small RNA molecules (microRNAs) of a key mosquito vector in bacterial symbiosis and Dengue virus infection. It will lead to development of effective approaches in limiting spread of vector and transmission of life threatening viral diseases.
From shape to function: how structured RNA defines insect flaviviruses. The goal of this project is to obtain an understanding of how insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFs) utilise viral noncoding RNAs to enable their replication in mosquitoes. These viruses only replicate in mosquitoes, and not in humans or animals. They can be employed as the biocontrol agents for mosquito-borne diseases as they make mosquitoes incapable of disease transmission. However, it is currently unknown how exactly insect ....From shape to function: how structured RNA defines insect flaviviruses. The goal of this project is to obtain an understanding of how insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFs) utilise viral noncoding RNAs to enable their replication in mosquitoes. These viruses only replicate in mosquitoes, and not in humans or animals. They can be employed as the biocontrol agents for mosquito-borne diseases as they make mosquitoes incapable of disease transmission. However, it is currently unknown how exactly insect-specific flaviviruses affect mosquitoes and this information is vital for informed design of ISF-based interventions. The project will generate new knowledge on functions of noncoding RNAs in ISFs that are hypothesised to have immunomodulatory role in mosquitoes. It will also train students and ECRs.Read moreRead less
Retroviral invasion of the koala genome: Where did it come from and what is it doing now that its there? Although some populations of free-ranging koalas are flourishing, many are in decline as a result of habitat loss and disease. We have shown that a recently identified virus that has infected koalas throughout most mainland Australian populations is associated with high rates of cancer in these animals. This project will study the growth properties of this virus and the mechanism by which it ....Retroviral invasion of the koala genome: Where did it come from and what is it doing now that its there? Although some populations of free-ranging koalas are flourishing, many are in decline as a result of habitat loss and disease. We have shown that a recently identified virus that has infected koalas throughout most mainland Australian populations is associated with high rates of cancer in these animals. This project will study the growth properties of this virus and the mechanism by which it causes cancer in order to provide a foundation for developing intervention strategies for protection of this iconic Australian species.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
Viral and host RNA methylation in mosquitoes. Mosquitoes transmit a variety of viruses to humans and animals through blood feeding. This project aims to investigate one of the most common modifications of RNA molecules, known as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), in an important mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti, and its alterations upon infection with pathogenic as well as mosquito-specific viruses. In addition, m6A modification of viral genomic RNA and its importance in virus replication will be investiga ....Viral and host RNA methylation in mosquitoes. Mosquitoes transmit a variety of viruses to humans and animals through blood feeding. This project aims to investigate one of the most common modifications of RNA molecules, known as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), in an important mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti, and its alterations upon infection with pathogenic as well as mosquito-specific viruses. In addition, m6A modification of viral genomic RNA and its importance in virus replication will be investigated. Expected outcomes of this project include fundamental understanding of RNA methylation in mosquitoes and their role in mosquito biology and virus replication.Read moreRead less
In-Vitro Production of Baculovirus Biopesticides - A Systems Biology Approach. This project has the potential to develop an in-vitro production process that can produce large quantities of Baculoviruses at costs comparable to selective chemicals. This could transform agriculture allowing farmers to choose an insect control option that is both safe and efficacious to use as well as economically and environmentally superior to chemicals, and less controversial than transgenic plants. This outcome ....In-Vitro Production of Baculovirus Biopesticides - A Systems Biology Approach. This project has the potential to develop an in-vitro production process that can produce large quantities of Baculoviruses at costs comparable to selective chemicals. This could transform agriculture allowing farmers to choose an insect control option that is both safe and efficacious to use as well as economically and environmentally superior to chemicals, and less controversial than transgenic plants. This outcome would enhance Australia's reputation in the animal cell technology field (related technology is used to produce protein pharmaceutical products), and will earn significant export dollars through licensing out of the technology or through large scale manufacturing and export of the product itself. Read moreRead less
Why certain viruses don't get along in mosquitoes. The molecular mechanism. The overall goal of this project is to obtain an understanding of how certain insect-only viruses make mosquitoes incapable of transmitting diseases. These viruses, called insect-specific flaviviruses, can be employed as biocontrol agents for mosquito-borne human and veterinary diseases. However as it is currently unknown how exactly they affect mosquitoes, the safety and efficacy of their use can't be predicted. The pro ....Why certain viruses don't get along in mosquitoes. The molecular mechanism. The overall goal of this project is to obtain an understanding of how certain insect-only viruses make mosquitoes incapable of transmitting diseases. These viruses, called insect-specific flaviviruses, can be employed as biocontrol agents for mosquito-borne human and veterinary diseases. However as it is currently unknown how exactly they affect mosquitoes, the safety and efficacy of their use can't be predicted. The proposed project will dissect the very intricate mechanisms of interactions between insect-specific flaviviruses and mosquitoes and explain how exactly they prevent disease transmission. It should generate novel fundamental knowledge, implement innovative methodologies and provide training for students and junior scientist. Read moreRead less
Cross-kingdom communications via small non-coding RNAs. This project aims to determine the role of small non-coding RNAs in mosquito-Wolbachia interactions, including Wolbachia microRNAs, concentrating on exchanged microRNAs between the two organisms and explore microRNAs effect on Wolbachia maintenance and its anti-viral property. Small non-coding RNAs play significant roles in various biological processes, including host-microorganism interactions. Recent evidence suggests that small RNAs can ....Cross-kingdom communications via small non-coding RNAs. This project aims to determine the role of small non-coding RNAs in mosquito-Wolbachia interactions, including Wolbachia microRNAs, concentrating on exchanged microRNAs between the two organisms and explore microRNAs effect on Wolbachia maintenance and its anti-viral property. Small non-coding RNAs play significant roles in various biological processes, including host-microorganism interactions. Recent evidence suggests that small RNAs can be exchanged between microorganisms and their hosts and regulate gene expression in the other organism. The endosymbiotic bacterium, Wolbachia, has attracted worldwide attention due to inhibiting replication of various vector-borne pathogens in mosquito vectors.Read moreRead less