Bioinorganic chemistry between immune cell and pathogen. This project aims to investigate the bioinorganic chemistry that occurs when immune system cells encounter pathogens and they try to kill one another, or in the case of a pathogen, to also modify the genetics of the mammalian cell to enable its intracellular survival. Pathogenic bacteria and fungi accumulate chromium (Cr) in their membranes and it was recently discovered that Cr is likely to be an important virulence factor. Similarly, H ....Bioinorganic chemistry between immune cell and pathogen. This project aims to investigate the bioinorganic chemistry that occurs when immune system cells encounter pathogens and they try to kill one another, or in the case of a pathogen, to also modify the genetics of the mammalian cell to enable its intracellular survival. Pathogenic bacteria and fungi accumulate chromium (Cr) in their membranes and it was recently discovered that Cr is likely to be an important virulence factor. Similarly, Hyperaccummulation of Nickel (Ni) is also involved in virulence. The project will investigate the roles of Cr and Ni in virulence using advanced spectroscopic imaging and biochemical techniques. These insights will provide new knowledge on the innate immune system and may lead to more efficacious treatments for serious infections.Read moreRead less
The fate of dietary selenium in vivo; a direct approach to linking chemical form with biological activity. Dietary selenium supplementation has great potential as a preventative treatment for a range of human health conditions, including cancer, that widely affect the Australian population. However, the adverse effects of such treatments are not fully recognised. This project will increase our knowledge of how selenium compounds are stored and utilised in the body and relate the information to c ....The fate of dietary selenium in vivo; a direct approach to linking chemical form with biological activity. Dietary selenium supplementation has great potential as a preventative treatment for a range of human health conditions, including cancer, that widely affect the Australian population. However, the adverse effects of such treatments are not fully recognised. This project will increase our knowledge of how selenium compounds are stored and utilised in the body and relate the information to clinical observations regarding dietary intake of selenium and other compounds. The new understanding generated will delineate the conditions for safe intake, so that the beneficial effects associated with selenium supplementation may be harnessed more effectively.Read moreRead less