Coral-associated viruses: pathogens, mutualists and agents of evolution? Corals host numerous organisms, of which viruses are the least studied. The aim of this project is to characterise the viruses associated with corals and to obtain a detailed understanding of the critical roles that viruses play in coral health, coral bleaching and adaptation of corals to climate change.
Bio-engineering Insect-Specific Flaviviruses for control of arboviruses. This project aims to study a family of commensal viruses of mosquitoes called insect-specific flaviviruses that are naturally found in mosquitoes and do not infect or cause disease in vertebrate hosts. Using an innovative approach, this project employs cutting-edge molecular virology approaches to modify these insect-specific flaviviruses to enhance their ability to block the replication of other pathogenic viruses in the m ....Bio-engineering Insect-Specific Flaviviruses for control of arboviruses. This project aims to study a family of commensal viruses of mosquitoes called insect-specific flaviviruses that are naturally found in mosquitoes and do not infect or cause disease in vertebrate hosts. Using an innovative approach, this project employs cutting-edge molecular virology approaches to modify these insect-specific flaviviruses to enhance their ability to block the replication of other pathogenic viruses in the mosquito vector. Expected outcome of this project is a bio-control strategy that is complementary to the Wolbachia approach. The anticipated benefits include the advancement of knowledge of insect-specific flaviviruses, and promotion of interdisciplinary research across the fields of Entomology and Virology.Read moreRead less
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.
Ross River virus - identification of virulence determinants in clinical isolates from across Australia. In Australia, Ross River virus (RRV) is the most common insect borne virus that affects human health. There were more than 60,000 confirmed cases of RRV between 1993 and 2008. While not fatal, the disease is responsible for significant morbidity that has both social and economic costs for the individual, their family and the community. The project has several national benefits. It will elucida ....Ross River virus - identification of virulence determinants in clinical isolates from across Australia. In Australia, Ross River virus (RRV) is the most common insect borne virus that affects human health. There were more than 60,000 confirmed cases of RRV between 1993 and 2008. While not fatal, the disease is responsible for significant morbidity that has both social and economic costs for the individual, their family and the community. The project has several national benefits. It will elucidate whether there is any association between RRV strain and the severity of human disease. It will also identify viral markers that could assist public health officials in determining likely disease outcomes of outbreaks and could provide new avenues for the design of antiviral strategies.Read moreRead less
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
Regulation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication by viral and cellular proteins. Using a mouse model, human cells will be treated with a very powerful antiviral protein using a gene therapy approach so as to block the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from growing. By learning how this antiviral protein works, this project will assist in the development of new strategies to treat HIV infection.
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
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE230101284
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$397,003.00
Summary
Insect-specific virus host restriction. Mosquito-borne viruses are a topic of intense research due to their complex biology, ecology and evolution, and their potential to produce unpredictable outbreaks of disease in both humans and animals. Insect-specific viruses (ISVs) are viruses that replicate solely in mosquito cell and are unable to infect vertebrate tissues. This project aims to assess the biodiversity of ISVs in the Australian mosquito population and identify key factors behind their re ....Insect-specific virus host restriction. Mosquito-borne viruses are a topic of intense research due to their complex biology, ecology and evolution, and their potential to produce unpredictable outbreaks of disease in both humans and animals. Insect-specific viruses (ISVs) are viruses that replicate solely in mosquito cell and are unable to infect vertebrate tissues. This project aims to assess the biodiversity of ISVs in the Australian mosquito population and identify key factors behind their restriction in vertebrates. The objectives of the studies proposed will answer clearly defined important biological questions about ISVs, while also delivering technological advances, novel reagents and potential commercial outcomes for the control and prevention of arboviral disease. Read moreRead less
Seeking causes of unexplained respiratory illness in children by identifying new respiratory viruses. Many respiratory illnesses including the common cold, ear infections, asthma attacks, the flu and pneumonia have no known cause even after all specimen testing is complete. This project will use 'virus hunting' experience to find and sequence as-yet-undiscovered viruses from such specimens so that they can be studied in more detail.
Cellular and molecular interactions of rhabdoviruses with their plant hosts and insect vectors. Viruses cause significant economic losses in agriculture, but little information is available on how plant-adapted rhabdoviruses multiply in both their plant hosts and insect vectors. This project on the localisation, transport and host defence properties of essential viral proteins will identify novel targets for improved disease control.