COMPARATIVE GENOMICS CENTRE
Mail Address: Comparative
Genomics Centre,
Molecular Sciences Bldg
21, James Cook University,
Townsville, 4811, Queensland,
Australia
Telephone: 61-7-4781 5684
Fax: 61-7-4781 6078
Mail Address: Comparative
Genomics Centre,
Molecular Sciences Bldg
21, James Cook University,
Townsville, 4811, Queensland,
Australia
Telephone: 61-7-4781 5684
Fax: 61-7-4781 6078
CONTENTS:
One of the main research foci of the CGC Biotechnology Group is the study of animal venoms. Our interest in animal venoms is targeted towards elucidating the components of snake and jellyfish venoms and comparing the proteins present in animal venoms. In addition we are actively involved in in vivo expression of the venomous proteins to eliminate the need to continually collect animal venoms. Importantly, the expression of individual venom proteins eliminates the interaction of separate venom components in whole venom.
Comparison
and characterisation of snake venom proteins
This study was initiated
by Ms. Ronelle Welton (PhD student) almost four years ago with a comparative
study of three taipan species - the Australian coastal taipan, the Australian
Inland taipan and the Papuan taipan. Part of this study included the biochemical
and molecular study of the proteins expressed in the venom glands of an
Australian coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus scutellatus). Following
the construction of a cDNA expression library using a venom gland the library
a collection of clones were sequenced and the nucleotide sequences of a
wide range of venom proteins determined. Current research involves the
expression of a variety of these clones and characterisation of the properties
of these expressed proteins.
Participants: Special Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology students
Characterisation
of jellyfish venom proteins
Characterisation of protein components of box jellyfish
(Chironex fleckeri) venom
This project involves the
characterisation of proteins contained within the nematocysts (organelles
responsible for the potentially fatal sting of the box jellyfish). This
involves both a proteomic as well as a molecular biology approach. A cDNA
expression library has been constructed and clones are currently being
isolated and characterised.
Participants: Ms Diane Brinkman (PhD student - Diane was awarded a James Cook University Prestige PhD scholarship in 2005.)
Characterisation of protein components of Irukandji jellyfish
venom
The Irukandji jellyfish
are a group of jellyfish that are characterised by are characterised by
the symptoms caused when they sting humans. This study is part of a wider
study coordinated by the Reef CRC (Dr. David Williams). Two deaths have
been reported in the Whitsunday region (Central Queensland coastal region)
as a result of stings inflicted by Irukandji jellyfish. This study is designed
to identify venom proteins and to express venom proteins in vitro for further
study and the development of antibodies for use in identification of jellyfish
species and their possible use in the development of an antivenom. Since
one of the jellyfish species identified as causing Irukandji symptoms (Carukia
barnesi) (is both small and difficult to collect we are attempting to clone
and express venom proteins for the use by other research groups in the
study of these venom proteins (Victorian School of Pharmacy- Dr.Ken Winkel).
We are indebted to the Australian Surf Life Saving Organisation for the
collection of specimens as well as The Australian Institute of Marine Sciences
for the molecular identification of individual species (Dr. Madeleine van
Oppen _ Australian Institute of Marine Sciences).
Participants: Ms Griselda Avila Soria (PhD student)
Characterisation of protein components of lion's mane jellyfish
(Cyanea capillata) venom
Following a "plague" of
lion's mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) in marine waters surrounding Townsville
in early 2005 jellyfish specimens were collected and a program to study
the venom proteins of this species initiated to provide data that could
be used in a comparative study of jellyfish venom proteins.
Participants: Ms. Narelle Nolan (Honours student)
Characterisation
and control of expression of maize carbonic anhydrase
Molecular biology studies
have identified three isozymes of carbonic anhydrase in maize with each
isozyme containing one, two or three repeat sequences. In contrast protein
studies (Western hybridization) have identified four CA isozymes (Ludwig
and Burnell, 1995). A single gene sequence has been sequenced (unpublished
results). This study is designed to resolve the expression of CA isozymes
in maize leaves. It also appears that the presence of three (or four) CA
isozymes is characteristic of NADP-malic enzyme C4 plants (eg., sorghum
and sugar cane).
Participants: Ms. Ursula Tems (PhD student)
Cloning
and expression of saxiphilin from Bufo marinus (cane toad)
Saxiphilin is a protein
identified in a wide variety of organisms that specifically binds saxitoxin,
a compound synthesised by a range of algal species. Saxitoxin is accumulated
by filter feeding shellfish (oysters) which, in turn, causes paralytic
shellfish poisoning in humans. Saxiphilin has been characterised in the
African bullfrog (Rana catasbeana) and its activity has been detected in
cane toads. Due to the high degree of similarity between the amino acid
sequence of frog saxiphilin and published sequences of transferrin this
study is designed to compare the protein sequences of saxiphilin and transferrin
in the Queensland cane toad to allow comparison of the two proteins isolated
from a single organism.
Participants: Ms. Rachel Walsh (Honours student)
Development
of novel pharmaceuticals from marine organisms.
In a collaborative project
between James Cook University and the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences
(Townsville) a rapid throughput screening assay developed in house is being
used to screen a collection of marine organism extracts to identify extracts
containing specific enzyme inhibitors. These inhibitors will be isolated
and identified for use in inhibitor trials of a variety of pathogenic organisms
including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium leprae,
Trypanosomonas
brucei, Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica.
Participants: Jim Burnell in collaboration with Dr. Lyndon Llewellyn
(Australian Institute of Marine Sciences, Townsville)