The molecular basis for oocyst and cyst wall formation in apicomplexan parasites

Funding: 2004: $135,000
2005: $135,000
2006: $135,000

Project Member(s): Wallach, M.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Australian Research Council (ARC Linkage Projects)
Abic Biological Laboratories Teva Ltd (Abic Ltd)

Start year: 2004

Summary: Apicomplexan parasites such as Eimeria, Neospora, Toxoplasma and Plasmodium are single celled organisms - protozoa - that cause some of the most serious infectious diseases of livestock and humans ever known. Transmission of these parasites is dependent on their ability to encase themselves in protective structures known as oocyst or cyst walls. These walls are resistant to harsh environmental conditions, chemicals and attack by the immune system. We will discover and characterise the molecular basis for cyst wall formation. This fundamental knowledge will be the building block for new, highly specific drugs and vaccines to control these extremely important pathogens.

Publications:

Mai, K, Sharman, PA, Walker, RA, Katrib, M, De Souza, D, McConville, MJ, Wallach, MG, Belli, SI, Ferguson, DJP & Smith, NC 2009, 'Oocyst wall formation and composition in coccidian parasites', MEMORIAS DO INSTITUTO OSWALDO CRUZ, vol. 104, no. 2, pp. 281-289.
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Wallach, MG, Ashash, U, Michael, A & Smith, NC 2008, 'Field Application of a Subunit Vaccine against an Enteric Protozoan Disease', PLoS ONE, vol. 3, no. 12, pp. e3948-e3948.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Keywords: parasitic protozoa, oocyst, Apicomplexa, dityrosine bonds, protein oxidation, protein crosslinking,

FOR Codes: Parasitology, Cellular Interactions (incl. Adhesion, Matrix, Cell Wall), Animal Protection (Pests and Pathogens), Biological sciences, Prevention-biologicals (e.g. vaccines), Treatments (e.g. chemicals, antibiotics), Veterinary Pharmaceutical Treatments (e.g. Antibiotics), Cellular Interactions (incl. Adhesion, Matrix, Cell Wall), Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Biological Preventatives (e.g. Vaccines), Expanding Knowledge in the Environmental Sciences, Animal protection (incl. pests and pathogens), Cellular interactions (incl. adhesion, matrix, cell wall), Veterinary pharmaceutical treatments , Veterinary biological preventatives

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.