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.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100172
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,000.00
Summary
Comprehensive cell imaging facility. This facility will provide Australian biological science researchers with equipment for in-depth analyses of cell function in vitro and in vivo. It will enable innovative research targeted at important questions in fields including cancer, immunology, stem cell biology, infectious disease and tissue regeneration.
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.
A conserved pathway of cell death in response to invading DNA. This project aims to characterise molecular details of a new pathway of foreign DNA recognition and rapid cell death. Recognition of foreign DNA is a key means by which both bacteria and eukaryotic cells can detect infections, as well as guard their own genome. Eukaryotic cell DNA is sequestered in the nucleus and organelles, and any DNA found in the cytosol is a danger signal. The project proposes that cytosolic DNA-induced cell dea ....A conserved pathway of cell death in response to invading DNA. This project aims to characterise molecular details of a new pathway of foreign DNA recognition and rapid cell death. Recognition of foreign DNA is a key means by which both bacteria and eukaryotic cells can detect infections, as well as guard their own genome. Eukaryotic cell DNA is sequestered in the nucleus and organelles, and any DNA found in the cytosol is a danger signal. The project proposes that cytosolic DNA-induced cell death is a fundamental eukaryotic defensive response, but surprisingly, the known pathway is restricted to macrophages of some mammals. Project outcomes may be applied to protein expression yield in biotechnology or advances in gene therapy.Read moreRead less
New guardians of the mucosa: Molecular characterisation of M cell biology. We aim to completely define the cellular and molecular biology of gut and lung M cells for the first time. We will elucidate how they develop, are regulated and function at a molecular level, and how M cells maintain normal gut and lung tissues and induce immune responses to protect against microbial challenges. In the future, the new insights will be essential pre-requisites for the development of mucosal-based intervent ....New guardians of the mucosa: Molecular characterisation of M cell biology. We aim to completely define the cellular and molecular biology of gut and lung M cells for the first time. We will elucidate how they develop, are regulated and function at a molecular level, and how M cells maintain normal gut and lung tissues and induce immune responses to protect against microbial challenges. In the future, the new insights will be essential pre-requisites for the development of mucosal-based interventions and vaccines that protect the gut and lung from infectious and inflammatory issues. The harnessing of effective immune responses to control such challenges, are of enormous fundamental and long-standing biological interest, and are amongst the most important areas of current scientific research.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
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE180100512
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,058.00
Summary
Bird flu in avian species: understanding the mechanisms of disease. This project aims to understand the genesis and pathogenesis of influenza virus in avian species. The project will investigate the role of bacteria in influenza severity in chickens, the role of avian endothelial cells in the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses and the susceptibility of Australia’s native black swans to influenza. This project will generate fundamental knowledge that may help reduce the severi ....Bird flu in avian species: understanding the mechanisms of disease. This project aims to understand the genesis and pathogenesis of influenza virus in avian species. The project will investigate the role of bacteria in influenza severity in chickens, the role of avian endothelial cells in the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses and the susceptibility of Australia’s native black swans to influenza. This project will generate fundamental knowledge that may help reduce the severity of influenza in avian populations and provide a new insight into the anti-viral response of an iconic Australian bird species.Read moreRead less
Combating invading DNA: a process conserved in evolution? Cells of our body defend against foreign genetic material, or DNA, which indicates an infection or invading DNA capable of causing mutation. These defences are so important that several layers have developed during evolution, and this project compares the responses of different organisms to foreign DNA.
Investigating the molecular basis of T-cell receptor cross-reactivity. This project will explore the basis of unexpected immune reactions whereby the immune system mistakes one molecular structure for another, a phenomenon known as cross-reactivity. This project will examine how often this is due to molecular mimicry, potentially explaining why immune T cells sometimes react inappropriately to different agents.
SNARE-mediated perforin and cytokine release in natural killer cells. Cytotoxic cells release toxic granules and cytokine messengers to kill pathogen infected and cancerous cells and to mount immune responses. This project will investigate different SNARE molecules that regulate the secretion of perforin from granules and cytokines from other carriers, assisting in the understanding of complex but essential cellular pathways.