The biosynthesis of structural proteins in parasites

Funding: 2006: $80,000
2007: $70,000
2008: $70,000

Project Member(s): Wallach, M.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Australian Research Council (ARC Discovery Projects)

Start year: 2006

Summary: Transmission from host to host is fundamental to any parasite's lifecycle. For many, this means a free-living phase in the outside world, during which they protect themselves from harsh environmental conditions; nematode larvae, for example, are protected by their cuticle and coccidians produce oocyst walls. These barriers are created when large proteins are processed into smaller tyrosine-rich fragments which then crosslink to form a protective structure. We will discover the processing pathways involved in the formation of oocyst walls of coccidia. This knowledge will lead to a better understanding of structural protein biosynthesis in parasites and the discovery of new control targets.

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.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Keywords: protozoan parasites, proteases, dityrosine crosslinking, walls and cuticles, protein oxidation, oocysts,

FOR Codes: Parasitology, Medical Parasitology, Infectious Diseases, Treatments (e.g. chemicals antibiotics), Treatments (e.g. chemicals, antibiotics), Veterinary Pharmaceutical Treatments (e.g. Antibiotics), Human Pharmaceutical Treatments (e.g. Antibiotics), Veterinary Parasitology, Medical parasitology , Clinical health, Human pharmaceutical products, Veterinary pharmaceutical products

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.