Functional characterisation of poly-histidine triad proteins. This project aims to understand the role and function of a novel family of surface proteins produced by Streptococci. These so-called polyhistidine triad proteins are known to contribute to capacity to cause disease in animals and humans, but we need to know how they work, as they may be excellent targets for novel drugs or vaccines.
Novel perspectives on the function of AB5 toxin B subunits in pathogenic bacterial. AB5 toxins are produced by bacteria that cause important diseases in humans and livestock. This project tests the hypothesis that the components of the toxins responsible for binding to host cells and tissues also directly contribute to cellular damage, thereby providing a better understanding of how AB5 toxin-producing bacteria cause disease.
A single vaccine for influenza and pneumonia. Influenza and bacterial pneumonia collaborate to kill millions of people each year. This project aims to develop a single vaccine that will provide long-lasting protection against both influenza and pneumonia.
Bacterial poly-histidine triad proteins. The poly-histidine triad (Pht) proteins are a poorly characterised family of surface proteins expressed by the genus Streptococcus and other Gram-positive genera. Recent studies suggest an important role for Pht proteins in survival of these bacteria in low zinc (Zn) environments. The project hypothesis is that Pht proteins specifically recruit Zn from the extracellular environment and somehow make it available to ATP binding cassette (ABC) transport syst ....Bacterial poly-histidine triad proteins. The poly-histidine triad (Pht) proteins are a poorly characterised family of surface proteins expressed by the genus Streptococcus and other Gram-positive genera. Recent studies suggest an important role for Pht proteins in survival of these bacteria in low zinc (Zn) environments. The project hypothesis is that Pht proteins specifically recruit Zn from the extracellular environment and somehow make it available to ATP binding cassette (ABC) transport systems located in the bacterial plasma membrane, beneath the cell wall, facilitating Zn uptake by the bacterium. The aim of this project is to conduct comprehensive molecular characterization of the interactions between Pht proteins, Zn and ABC transporters, and the role of the histidine triad motifs in these interactions.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140100963
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,220.00
Summary
Biofilms and quorum sensing in pneumococcal biology. Bacteria survive in their environmental niches by development of complex multicellular communities (biofilms), not by operating as individuals. Communication between bacteria is critical for biofilm formation, and is linked to their capacity to exchange DNA within and between species (competence). This is achieved by secretion and detection of small chemical signalling molecules (quorum sensing). Two such systems operate in the pneumococcus, a ....Biofilms and quorum sensing in pneumococcal biology. Bacteria survive in their environmental niches by development of complex multicellular communities (biofilms), not by operating as individuals. Communication between bacteria is critical for biofilm formation, and is linked to their capacity to exchange DNA within and between species (competence). This is achieved by secretion and detection of small chemical signalling molecules (quorum sensing). Two such systems operate in the pneumococcus, a model Gram-positive organism. This project aims to elucidate the mechanism whereby these quorum sensing systems interact and collaborate to regulate biofilm formation and competence, phenotypes critical for bacterial survival. This knowledge will enable future development of novel antimicrobials. Read moreRead less
Vaccination of poultry infected with multiple Salmonella serovars. Salmonella is a zoonotic, foodborne pathogen found on eggs and poultry meat. It is the second largest cause of human gastrointestinal disease, thus, reduction of Salmonella on poultry farms is paramount to public health. This project aims to evaluate the long-term efficacy of a commercial Salmonella Typhimurium vaccine against multiple serotypes, including the emerging Salmonella Enteritidis. This project will generate new knowle ....Vaccination of poultry infected with multiple Salmonella serovars. Salmonella is a zoonotic, foodborne pathogen found on eggs and poultry meat. It is the second largest cause of human gastrointestinal disease, thus, reduction of Salmonella on poultry farms is paramount to public health. This project aims to evaluate the long-term efficacy of a commercial Salmonella Typhimurium vaccine against multiple serotypes, including the emerging Salmonella Enteritidis. This project will generate new knowledge in avian immunology using an innovative approach to evaluate the host response to multi-serovar infection. Outcomes of this project will future proof the Australian poultry industry against exotic Salmonella serotypes benefitting the industry by significantly reducing risks of future outbreaks and economic loss.Read moreRead less
Bacterial glycan biosynthesis. This project aims to understand bacterial glycan biosynthesis. Bacteria produce complex polysaccharides, such as O antigens, critical to their interactions with their environment. Bacterial polysaccharides are used as vaccines, lubricants in oil drilling and food gelling agents. This project aims to find out how membrane proteins work together by using molecular genetic and biochemical approaches to identify amino acids in proteins that affect their interaction and ....Bacterial glycan biosynthesis. This project aims to understand bacterial glycan biosynthesis. Bacteria produce complex polysaccharides, such as O antigens, critical to their interactions with their environment. Bacterial polysaccharides are used as vaccines, lubricants in oil drilling and food gelling agents. This project aims to find out how membrane proteins work together by using molecular genetic and biochemical approaches to identify amino acids in proteins that affect their interaction and O antigen polymerisation. This project will create fundamental knowledge on mechanisms in polysaccharide biosynthesis and improve processes that produce and use bacterial polysaccharides, building intellectual property that can be commercialised for the benefit of society.Read moreRead less
Molecular insights into bacterial metal ion homeostasis and toxicity. This project aims to measure bacterial cellular metal concentrations, elucidate mechanisms cells use to adapt to changing extracellular metal concentrations, and reveal the molecular targets of metal toxicity. Metal ions are essential to all forms of life, and half of all proteins use metal ions for cellular chemical processes. However, how cells precisely balance sufficient metal ions for essential cellular chemistry without ....Molecular insights into bacterial metal ion homeostasis and toxicity. This project aims to measure bacterial cellular metal concentrations, elucidate mechanisms cells use to adapt to changing extracellular metal concentrations, and reveal the molecular targets of metal toxicity. Metal ions are essential to all forms of life, and half of all proteins use metal ions for cellular chemical processes. However, how cells precisely balance sufficient metal ions for essential cellular chemistry without accumulating a toxic excess (metal homeostasis) is poorly understood. Discovering the roles of metal ions in bacterial cells will be key to defining the chemical biology of living systems and will provide information essential to understanding how microbes adapt to changing environments.Read moreRead less
New molecular tools to study the mechanisms of bacterial metal homeostasis. This project aims to provide new insight into how metal ion uptake is regulated. It will precisely measure the cellular concentrations of metal ions, reveal the roles of metal ions in essential cellular processes, and identify the molecular targets of metal toxicity. Metal ions are essential to all forms of life and are used by up to half of all proteins to facilitate cellular chemical processes. The intended outcome of ....New molecular tools to study the mechanisms of bacterial metal homeostasis. This project aims to provide new insight into how metal ion uptake is regulated. It will precisely measure the cellular concentrations of metal ions, reveal the roles of metal ions in essential cellular processes, and identify the molecular targets of metal toxicity. Metal ions are essential to all forms of life and are used by up to half of all proteins to facilitate cellular chemical processes. The intended outcome of the research is to provide new fundamental knowledge of the roles of metal ions in bacterial cells; knowledge that will be key to defining the chemical biology of living systems and will provide information essential to understanding how microbes adapt to changing environments.Read moreRead less
Novel link between bacterial sugar metabolism and cell-to-cell signalling. This project aims to understand the role and function of the bacterial communication system that enables bacteria to form complex communities and alter phenotypic traits, essential for survival in their environment. Bacteria survive in their environmental niches by developing complex multicellular communities. Cell to cell communication, termed quorum sensing (QS), is critical for this process and is linked to their capac ....Novel link between bacterial sugar metabolism and cell-to-cell signalling. This project aims to understand the role and function of the bacterial communication system that enables bacteria to form complex communities and alter phenotypic traits, essential for survival in their environment. Bacteria survive in their environmental niches by developing complex multicellular communities. Cell to cell communication, termed quorum sensing (QS), is critical for this process and is linked to their capacity to detect and secrete small signalling molecules, autoinducers. This project will provide a new paradigm in bacterial adaptation through comprehensive characterisation of the Autoinducer-2 QS system. This knowledge will provide future opportunities for intervention in microbial infestation with broad potential benefits.Read moreRead less