Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210101145
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$414,662.00
Summary
Investigating novel neurobiological mechanisms in rabies infection. This project aims to better understand the biology and functioning of the nervous system using an innovative multi-disciplinary approach informed by the rabies virus. The study intends to identify the molecular mechanism responsible for self-destruction in neurons. The project aims to gain this new knowledge by investigating the novel natural ability of rabies virus to subdue self-destruction mechanism in neurons. The principal ....Investigating novel neurobiological mechanisms in rabies infection. This project aims to better understand the biology and functioning of the nervous system using an innovative multi-disciplinary approach informed by the rabies virus. The study intends to identify the molecular mechanism responsible for self-destruction in neurons. The project aims to gain this new knowledge by investigating the novel natural ability of rabies virus to subdue self-destruction mechanism in neurons. The principal benefit is the gain of detailed knowledge about a fundamental biological mechanism at the intersection of neurobiology and virology. This has the potential to inform future research in areas such as the maintenance of neuronal health in ageing and better control of rabies infections. Read moreRead less
Defining the antiviral effects of Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Mosquitoes that carry a bacterium called Wolbachia do not transmit human pathogenic viruses. These mosquitoes are being developed as a biocontrol tool to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. This project aims to define the molecular basis for virus inhibition by Wolbachia. Using unique biological tools including mosquitoes carrying different strains of Wolbachia that do or do not inhibit dengue virus, the project will define ho ....Defining the antiviral effects of Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Mosquitoes that carry a bacterium called Wolbachia do not transmit human pathogenic viruses. These mosquitoes are being developed as a biocontrol tool to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. This project aims to define the molecular basis for virus inhibition by Wolbachia. Using unique biological tools including mosquitoes carrying different strains of Wolbachia that do or do not inhibit dengue virus, the project will define how Wolbachia modifies its host to create an antiviral state. The findings will provide insight into how viral pathogens can be suppressed in insect hosts. This may guide future viral disease intervention strategies for diverse areas afflicted by insect-borne viral disease, including human health and agriculture.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE200100977
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,016.00
Summary
How ecology shapes the viromes of wild birds. This project will reveal the host factors associated with the diversity, evolution and dynamics of viruses using state-of-the-art metatranscriptomics in Australian wild birds. The structure of virus communities and their associated ecological drivers in wild animal hosts remain a black-box, even though they are the largest source of viral diversity in nature. This project expects to generate key insights into host-associated drivers of viral communit ....How ecology shapes the viromes of wild birds. This project will reveal the host factors associated with the diversity, evolution and dynamics of viruses using state-of-the-art metatranscriptomics in Australian wild birds. The structure of virus communities and their associated ecological drivers in wild animal hosts remain a black-box, even though they are the largest source of viral diversity in nature. This project expects to generate key insights into host-associated drivers of viral community dynamics and the subsequent effect of anthropogenic factors such as urbanisation and poultry production. Identifying host factors that affect viral ecology in wild birds will constitute a cornerstone in understanding the emergence of virulent viruses and/or their spread to poultry or humansRead moreRead less