- Objective Title:Mammary viruses in the possum
- Objective Title:Possum viruses and bacterial pathogens
- Objective Title:Possum parasite immunology and bioactivity
- Objective Title:Possum parasite vectors
3.2 - Microbiology/Parasitology
3.2.1
| Objective Title:Mammary viruses in the possum PhD Fellowship:Greg Bailie Institution:University of Waikato/AgResearch |
In this study the PhD student will investigate mammary-specific retro viruses and assess their ultimate potential as genetically engineered vectors for the biological control of possums by:
- virus particles using molecular biological methods;
- virus genomes;
- possum specific viral genomes; and
- such genomes with the aim of producing viral vectors specific to the possum.
3.2.2
| Objective Title:Possum viruses and bacterial pathogens Research Leader: Dr D Heath Institution:AgResearch |
Aim:To isolate and characterise viruses and bacteria from possums which may be useful for the biological control of this pest.
Researchers will:
- characterise the genome of the virus isolated from a possum with Wobbly Possum Syndrome;
- a serological test for detecting possums with Wobbly Possum Syndrome;
- the geographical distribution of Wobbly Possum Syndrome in New Zealand;
- the pathogenesis of Wobbly Possum Syndrome; and
- the isolation of previously identified retroviruses and adenoviruses from possums.
3.2.3
| Objective Title:Possum parasite immunology and bioactivity Research Leader: Dr D Heath Institution:AgResearch |
Aim:To determine the potential for a possum-specific parasite expressing a functional gene to exert biological effects on the possum, or to stimulate systemic immunity and mucosal immunity to the gene product at the gut level and at other mucosal sites.
Researchers will:
- the life cycle of Paraustrostrongylus trichosuri in the laboratory;
- the histopathology and host-parasite relationship of Paraustrostrongylus trichosuri in the possum; and
- in vitro culture experiments to establish conditions for the parasitic phase of the life-cycle of Parastrongyloides trichosuri and Paraustrostrongylus trichosuri using a bioreactor to control culture conditions, so as to maintain life-cycles in vitro, and to monitor expression of genes in genetically modified nematodes.
3.2.4
| Objective Title:Possum parasite vectors Research Leader: Dr A Gruenberg Institution:AgResearch |
Aim:Develop methods to incorporate foreign DNA into the genome of the possum parasite Parastrongyloides trichosuri in order that it may be used as a vector to express genes that will exert deleterious effects on the reproductive capability of its host.
Researchers will:
- if P. trichosuri transformed with the rol 6 marker gene are able to form viable infective (filariform) larvae and if so whether they will successfully develop into adult parasites in a possum host;
- the use of other, potentially less debilitating marker genes, such as the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) gene and anthelmintic resistance genes in P. trichosuri; and
- a genomic library of P. trichosuri DNA in order to search for transposon-like elements which may be required to mobilise selected genes into the worm genome.
Contact for Enquiries
Farm Monitoring Programme Manager
Monitoring and Evaluation
MAF Policy
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0623
Fax: +64 4 894 0741
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