The Role Of N-linked Protein Glycosylation In Campylobacter Jejuni Pathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$757,600.00
Summary
Protein glycosylation is crucial in enabling C. jejuni to colonize poultry, which is the most common route to human infection. The roles played by this modification remain almost completely unknown yet are likely to be multi-factorial. This project will determine the function of glycosylation and thus lead to eventual interventions aimed at reducing the organism in poultry for human consumption.
Uncovering Novel Roles Of Escherichia Coli Flagella And LPS In Uropathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$404,677.00
Summary
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common infectious diseases in humans. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) cause most UTI. UPEC produce factors that promote their survival and influence disease such as flagella. We have identified anti-inflammatory responses as a key element of UTI and have shown that these responses contribute to control of UTI. In this project, we will investigate how the UPEC flagella component, FliC, contributes to anti-inflammatory responses and what this means for UTI.
Understanding The Impact Of Epigenetic Gene Regulation On Helicobacter Pylori Persistence And Pathogenesis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$757,896.00
Summary
Helicobacter pylori is a highly persistent pathogen and remains a significant problem worldwide, causing gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. This project will increase our understanding of how H. pylori infection persists for the life of its human host and will provide knowledge that is critical in developing new strategies for preventing these infections.
Death Receptor Signaling During E. Coli And Salmonella Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,076.00
Summary
Upon encountering invading microorganisms, the body’s immune system usually initiates an inflammatory response to recruit populations of immune cells to the site of infection. To counter this attack, many bacterial pathogens have evolved distinct ways of disarming the inflammatory response. We are investigating the discovery that gastrointestinal bacteria such as Salmonella and pathogenic E. coli specifically interfere with the messages sent by the body’s innate sensors to recruit killer immune ....Upon encountering invading microorganisms, the body’s immune system usually initiates an inflammatory response to recruit populations of immune cells to the site of infection. To counter this attack, many bacterial pathogens have evolved distinct ways of disarming the inflammatory response. We are investigating the discovery that gastrointestinal bacteria such as Salmonella and pathogenic E. coli specifically interfere with the messages sent by the body’s innate sensors to recruit killer immune cells.Read moreRead less
Characterization Of The Type IX Secretion System In Porphyromonas Gingivalis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$831,656.00
Summary
Periodontitis is associated with the keystone pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. We have identified a novel protein secretion machine comprised of at least 12 components in P. gingivalis which transports the bacterium's major virulence factors to the cell surface and attaches them to the outer membrane. We aim to determine the spatial arrangement and specific role of each of these 12 components and thereby provide targets for future treatments against this disease.
Manipulation Of Clathrin-mediated Trafficking By Coxiella
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$667,857.00
Summary
This research will uncover how Coxiella causes the serious infectious disease Q fever by commandeering human cells and replicating to high numbers within a specialised vacuole. We will investigate virulence factors of Coxiella, learning how and why they target an essential human vesicular trafficking process. Our innovative approach and unique expertise will elucidate interaction between this pathogen and the human cell, providing fundamental knowledge towards public health outcomes.
A Matter Of Life And Death: Defining Novel Interactions Between Uropathogenic E. Coli And Macrophages That Influence UTI Pathology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,060.00
Summary
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common types of infections in humans. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are the major microbes causing UTI in humans. This project will define novel interactions between UPEC and macrophages, an important immune cell involved in the control of UTI. The outcomes of this project will be a better understanding of how UPEC causes disease, and potentially new treatment regimes for UTI.
Regulation Of Virulence Gene Expression In Clostridium Perfringens
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$585,497.00
Summary
This project involves the analysis of a bacterium that causes gas gangrene. We have shown that a previously unknown regulatory protein modulates the ability of this bacterium to cause disease. We aim to determine what turns on the protein's activity, how it controls the factors that contribute towards disease and what specific factors are involved in disease. The major outcome will be a better understanding of the mechanisms of virulence gene regulation, which will lead to improved methods of di ....This project involves the analysis of a bacterium that causes gas gangrene. We have shown that a previously unknown regulatory protein modulates the ability of this bacterium to cause disease. We aim to determine what turns on the protein's activity, how it controls the factors that contribute towards disease and what specific factors are involved in disease. The major outcome will be a better understanding of the mechanisms of virulence gene regulation, which will lead to improved methods of disease control.Read moreRead less
Role Of Autotransporter Proteins In Uropathogenic E. Coli Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$611,149.00
Summary
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most common infectious diseases of humans. Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC), the primary cause of UTI, utilize a range of adherence mechanisms to colonize the urinary tract. In this project we will characterise the function and mode of secretion for one important class of UPEC adherence factors – autotransporter proteins. This work may inform new approaches to prevent UTI, an urgent need given the rapid increase in resistance to antibiotics among UPEC.
The Role Of Clostridium Difficile Virulence Factors In Mediating The Host-pathogen Interactions That Lead To Gastrointestinal Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,351.00
Summary
Hospital-acquired infections with the bacterium Clostridium difficile are a major global public health concern with more virulent isolates emerging overseas since 2000. These strains were detected in Australia in 2010 and are now spreading throughout our hospitals. This project will increase our understanding of how these strains cause disease and why they are more harmful, which is critical for the development of improved strategies for preventing and treating these infections.