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.
Tackling Urgent Antimicrobial Resistance Threats In Australia—in Action
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance is a major global concern, there are limited new treatment options and current resistance surveillance practices have limitations. As a part of this fellowship I will collaborate with industry partners, utilise geographical mapping and novel DNA sequencing technologies with a view to enhance resistance surveillance for gonorrhoea and other public health threats, inform new treatment strategies and better understand the spread of gonorrhoea in the population.
Antibiotic Tolerance And Small RNA Networks In Staphylococcus Aureus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$521,559.00
Summary
Treatment of MRSA is restricted to last line antibiotics and treatment failure is associated with an intermediate tolerance to vancomycin. Regulatory molecules termed small RNA mediate responses to antibiotic challenge but their functions are poorly understood. This proposal will profile sRNA function to understand how they adapt S. aureus to antibiotic challenge. A molecular understanding of vancomycin-tolerance will inform development of diagnostics and treatment strategies.
The Pathogenesis Of Infections Caused By Clostridium Sordellii.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$400,232.00
Summary
The bacterium Clostridium sordellii causes necrosis and multiorgan failure with a very high mortality rate of 70% in infections of drug users, transplant and post-abortion patients, and 100% for post-partum patients. Little is known about how C. sordellii causes such devastating disease; treatment of these infections is currently ineffective. This project will make a major contribution to our understanding of how disease is caused and may lead to improved prevention and treatment stratetegies.
Investigation Of The Localisation, Transport And Vaccine Potential Of Group A Streptococcal Cell Surface Proteins.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$505,523.00
Summary
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus; GAS) is a bacterium that causes human skin and throat infections as well as highly invasive diseases including necrotising fasciitis. Additionally, serious sequeale, including rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis, may result following repeated infection. We have recently examined the GAS cell wall and identified 23 proteins that are surface exposed, 20 of which are novel. We hypothesise that a number of these surface exposed proteins represe ....Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus; GAS) is a bacterium that causes human skin and throat infections as well as highly invasive diseases including necrotising fasciitis. Additionally, serious sequeale, including rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis, may result following repeated infection. We have recently examined the GAS cell wall and identified 23 proteins that are surface exposed, 20 of which are novel. We hypothesise that a number of these surface exposed proteins represent candidate vaccine antigens capable of conferring protective immunity. We therefore propose to examine these surface proteins as components of experimental vaccines against GAS.Read moreRead less