Commensal benefits: genomic basis for suppressing plant pathogens with Pseudomonas biocontrol species
Investigators: Paulsen, Hassan
Summary
This research project aims to understand the genetic basis of biological control: how Pseudomonas bacterial strains that live as native flora on plants can protect agricultural crops from harmful pathogens. We will combine cutting-edge computational and functional genomics technologies to identify the genes responsible for biological control activity. The results of our analyses will enhance opportunities for the rational application of biological control bacteria as viable plant disease control agents.
Grant details
Provided by: Australian Research Council
EcoCyc database of E. coli genes and metabolism
Investigators: Karp, Paulsen, Collado-Vides, Gonsalus
Summary
EcoCyc is an electronic reference source for E. coli biologists, and for biologists who work with related microorganisms. It describes the genome and the biochemical machinery of E. coli K-12 MG1655. The long-term goal is to describe the molecular catalogue of the E. colicell, as well as the functions of each of its molecular parts, to facilitate a system-level understanding of E. coli.
Grant details
Provided by: National Institutes of Health (USA)
Enantioselective nitrilases from filamentous fungi
Chief investigators: Nevalainen, Bergquist, Te’o, Gibbs
Grant details
Provided by: Australian Research Council
Functional genomic analysis of multidrug efflux in the emerging pathogen Acinetobacter baumanni
Chief investigators: Paulsen, Hassan, Brown
Summary
Infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant organisms are a major public health issue. A.baumanni is increasingly being identified as a significant cause of these infections, especially in intensive care units. Molecular studies to identify and characterise drug resistance proteins that pump antibiotics out of the cell will help understand the resistance capabilities and potential of this bacterium.
Grant details
Provided by: National Health and Medical Research Council
Lifestyle choices: genomic analysis of niche adaptations in marine Synechococcus
Chief investigator: Paulsen
Summary
Marine cyanobacteria are photosynthetic bacteria responsible for a large fraction of global carbon fixation. However, little is known about them in Australian waters. Our research will address this clear knowledge gap, while answering key questions related to issues ranging from climate change to ecology and evolution. This proposal will investigate, at a genetic and functional level, how cyanobacteria have adapted to diverse Australian marine habitats, examining local populations and looking specifically at how these organisms respond to changes in temperature and micronutrient conditions. This will provide an understanding of how human activities may influence cyanobacterial abundance and diversity in the future.
Grant details
Provided by: Australian Research Council
Small talk: communication networks between microbes
Chief investigators: Packer, Molloy, Paulsen, Nevalainen, Haynes
Summary
The aim is to leverage the unique collective expertise in proteomics, glycomics and genomics at Macquarie University to characterise and quantitate microbial communication and interaction networks. The proposal is underpinned by the NCRIS-funded Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF), and complemented by the University’s research strength in the Biomolecular Frontiers Research Centre.
Identifying cell surface membrane and extracellular secreted proteins of P. aeruginosa. We will integrate proteomic and transcriptomic analyses of P. aeruginosa grown in artificial lung sputum medium and assess the impact of modulating its quorum sensing system.
Characterising the cell surface glycoproteins interactions involved in P. aeruginosa cell adhesion. We will undertake glycomic and proteomic analyses of cell surface glycoprotein host receptors and use functional genomics to identify the microbial binding proteins.
Determining the molecular basis of interactions between P. aeruginosa and an endemic infectious fungus Scedosporium aurantiacum. We will undertake analyses in functional genomics, proteogenomics and glycomics to investigate this novel co-habitative lifestyle.
Grant details
Provided by: Australian Research Council Super Science program
The role of plasmids in the transmission of complex antibiotic-resistance gene loci and virulence genes in the Enterobacteriaceae
Chief investigators: Djordjevic, Stokes, Paulsen
Grant details
Provided by: National Health and Medical Research Council