Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of parasite-host interactions

Funding: 2021: $202,229
2022: $206,273
2023: $159,447

Project Member(s): Donnelly, S., Tran, N.

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

Start year: 2021

Summary: Helminth parasites have little similarity to the model organism (C. elegans) in which worm miRNA activity has been broadly characterised. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that helminths use to regulate parasite-host interactions is crucial to our understanding of the fundamental biology of these organisms and will be of enormous benefit to the development of novel strategies for infection control. A comprehensive characterisation and functional analysis of miRNAs in F. hepatica will create a new mechanistic framework for the regulation of host immune responses by parasite-secreted miRNAs and reveal the molecular biological pathways that are unique to parasitism and parasitic disease.

FOR Codes: Expanding Knowledge, Agricultural And Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary parasitology

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.