Transport and innate immune properties of DNA in bacterial nano-sized vesicles. All types of living organisms release nano-sized membrane vesicles or “blebs” which they use for intercellular communication and transport of molecules. This project will determine how bacteria package DNA within these vesicles, how this DNA is transported into host cells and how it triggers immune responses in these cells.
Autotransporter proteins of Escherichia coli. Autoransporters are a novel class of proteins associated with bacterial virulence properties such as adhesion, invasion and biofilm formation. Despite this, limited information is available on their functional role. The aim of this project is to characterize several of the autotransporter proteins from pathogenic E. coli. The likely contribution of these proteins to infection suggests that they are potential targets for strain attenuation and vaccine ....Autotransporter proteins of Escherichia coli. Autoransporters are a novel class of proteins associated with bacterial virulence properties such as adhesion, invasion and biofilm formation. Despite this, limited information is available on their functional role. The aim of this project is to characterize several of the autotransporter proteins from pathogenic E. coli. The likely contribution of these proteins to infection suggests that they are potential targets for strain attenuation and vaccine strain construction. Many of these proteins also mediate bacterial aggregation and are therefore targets for novel drugs that inhibit this process. The project will be carried out with a high profile partner from Denmark and will provide opportunity for travel and technology development. Read moreRead less
YhcB, a crucial player in the control of bacterial cell envelope biogenesis. All life depends on a cell envelope to enclose the chemical reactions that make life possible. But how do cell envelopes grow? How each component of the cell envelope is incorporated into the envelope at the right amount and in the right time to prevent cell death, has been a longstanding question in bacteriology. Using a unique combination of high through put genetic screens and biochemical approaches, this project wil ....YhcB, a crucial player in the control of bacterial cell envelope biogenesis. All life depends on a cell envelope to enclose the chemical reactions that make life possible. But how do cell envelopes grow? How each component of the cell envelope is incorporated into the envelope at the right amount and in the right time to prevent cell death, has been a longstanding question in bacteriology. Using a unique combination of high through put genetic screens and biochemical approaches, this project will characterise a key regulator of cell envelope growth in Gram-negative bacteria. Knowledge arising from this research will provide insight into a fundamental process in bacteria, will develop new technology to probe protein interactions, and will provide novel avenues to solve infection in plants, humans and animals.Read moreRead less
A fundamental study of the role of signal transduction pathways in the regulation of Chlamydia's complex developmental cycle. Chlamydia are unique organisms in the microbial world. They are among the smallest bacteria and yet have a complex two-stage developmental cycle. In addition they are major causes of disease in animals and humans with no vaccines available. We have used the recent flood of full genome sequence data to identify over 30 new cell signalling proteins. By understanding how the ....A fundamental study of the role of signal transduction pathways in the regulation of Chlamydia's complex developmental cycle. Chlamydia are unique organisms in the microbial world. They are among the smallest bacteria and yet have a complex two-stage developmental cycle. In addition they are major causes of disease in animals and humans with no vaccines available. We have used the recent flood of full genome sequence data to identify over 30 new cell signalling proteins. By understanding how these cell signaling proteins are organized into pathways and how this microorganism controls its complex growth and developmental cycle, we will be able to develop novel methods of control. We are at the fore front of international research and therefore uniquely placed to conduct this project.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130101169
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Understanding how bacteria become sticky. This study will investigate the machinery used by bacteria to build specialised sticky fibres which allow them to attach to surfaces. The outcomes will significantly advance our understanding of how bacteria generate molecular weapons enabling them to survive and to infect humans and animals.
Kernel methods for the analysis of whole bacterial genomes. This project addresses the fundamental scientific problem of the identification of regulatory regions and specific promoters within bacterial genomes, with a focus upon two organisms of great social, economic and bioterrism significance. From the machine learning perspective, the project will be the first to produce a kernel-based approach directly tailored to the problem of the detection of regulatory regions. The methods developed wil ....Kernel methods for the analysis of whole bacterial genomes. This project addresses the fundamental scientific problem of the identification of regulatory regions and specific promoters within bacterial genomes, with a focus upon two organisms of great social, economic and bioterrism significance. From the machine learning perspective, the project will be the first to produce a kernel-based approach directly tailored to the problem of the detection of regulatory regions. The methods developed will be made available through a straightforward web-based interface, allowing biologists throughout the world to utilize the approach as a tool to be applied to a progressively widening class of bacterial genomes, and even to eukaryotes. Read moreRead less
Autotransporter proteins of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7. Escherichi (E.) coli O157:H7 has caused hundreds of outbreaks in the United States and United Kingdom. Although not currently a major problem in Australia, the emergence of E. coli O157:H7 here would have serious implications for our meat and livestock industry. This study will provide important information for the selection of vaccine antigens used to prevent the colonisation of cattle with E. coli O157:H7 and other diarrho ....Autotransporter proteins of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7. Escherichi (E.) coli O157:H7 has caused hundreds of outbreaks in the United States and United Kingdom. Although not currently a major problem in Australia, the emergence of E. coli O157:H7 here would have serious implications for our meat and livestock industry. This study will provide important information for the selection of vaccine antigens used to prevent the colonisation of cattle with E. coli O157:H7 and other diarrhoeagenic E. coli serotypes. A direct outcome of this will be improved human health, as E. coli O157:H7 can cause life threatening infections in humans. The study will also examine the contribution of specific adhesins to biofilm formation; measures to prevent biofilm formation may reduce the persistence and spread of E. coli O157:H7 in the environment.Read moreRead less
Disulfide catalysis and protein folding in bacterial virulence. The molecular mechanisms that underpin disulfide bond formation have had a major impact on our understanding of protein folding and function. This project will make a major contribution to fundamental areas of disulfide catalysis pathways in bacterial pathogens and thus help maintain a strong international profile for Australian research in this field. The work will lead to training of research scientists and students in techniques ....Disulfide catalysis and protein folding in bacterial virulence. The molecular mechanisms that underpin disulfide bond formation have had a major impact on our understanding of protein folding and function. This project will make a major contribution to fundamental areas of disulfide catalysis pathways in bacterial pathogens and thus help maintain a strong international profile for Australian research in this field. The work will lead to training of research scientists and students in techniques that include molecular genetics, protein biochemistry and structural biology. Our findings may impact future directions for vaccine research on pathogens that cause life threatening infections in humans and therefore lead to improved health and reduced health care expenditure.Read moreRead less
The protein O-glycosylation pathway in Neisseria meningitidis. Neisseria meningitidis causes bacterial meningitis, a sudden and severe disease of particular concern to children in both the developed and developing worlds. This project will contribute to an understanding of how these bacteria evade the immune system by modifying the proteins displayed on their surface, which will help in the development of a vaccine.
Formation of the Chlamydial Inclusion Requires Host Trafficking Pathways. Using cellular and biochemical approaches this project aims to examine the membrane trafficking pathways hijacked by the pathogen Chlamydia and to define the key components of these pathways. Chlamydia are obligate intracellular pathogens responsible for a range of human and animal diseases. In order to survive within the host cell, the pathogen hijacks the host's membrane trafficking pathways to engineer an intracellular ....Formation of the Chlamydial Inclusion Requires Host Trafficking Pathways. Using cellular and biochemical approaches this project aims to examine the membrane trafficking pathways hijacked by the pathogen Chlamydia and to define the key components of these pathways. Chlamydia are obligate intracellular pathogens responsible for a range of human and animal diseases. In order to survive within the host cell, the pathogen hijacks the host's membrane trafficking pathways to engineer an intracellular niche called an inclusion. In addition to providing a permissive environment, this strategy also shields the pathogen from the host's immune system.Read moreRead less