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Full Title: |
Dr Wayne Greene |
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Degrees: |
BSc (Hons), PhD (WA) |
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Current Position: |
Senior Lecturer in Molecular Genetics |
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Address: |
Faculty of Health Sciences School of Veterinary Biology and Biomedical Science |
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Email: |
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Phone: |
9360 2545 |
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Fax: |
9310 4144 |
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Room number: |
VBBS 3.41 |
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Research Summary:Role of HOX11 in Childhood T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the major cancer of childhood. Despite considerable advances over the past 40 years, treatment for ALL is still associated with a failure rate of about 30% and its aetiology remains enigmatic. The development of better and more specific therapies for this lethal disease can only come from a knowledge of the cellular processes that have gone awry in malignancy. Of particular interest is the transcription factor oncogene HOX11 which has been chosen as a model for how a perturbation in gene transcription can lead to the development of leukaemia. We are investigating genes that are regulated by HOX11 as well as the cellular factors with which it interacts. The discovery of such genes and co-factors may represent molecules with pharmaceutical potential. This in turn may open possibilities for new and highly specific treatment protocols for patients with leukaemia. Major techniques: RT-PCR, Gene reporter assays, Bandshift assays, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, DNA cloning, Recombinant protein production, Northern and Southern blotting, RACE, DNA footprinting, Cell transfection, DNA microarrays, GST pulldawn assays, Immunoprecipitation
Development of a Vaccine Against FleasThere are over 2,000 known species of fleas of which a few, most notably with cat flea Ctenocephalides felis felis, are major domestic pests worldwide. Fleas are bloodsucking arthropod parasites which are not species-specific, that live off any warm-blooded host including humans. Fleas are not only a nuisance to humans and their pets, they also represent a significant public health issue. This is because they can serve as vectors for diseases such as typhus and some common species of tapeworms. Immunological control of ectoparasites such as the flea is a desirable goal in view of the generally objectionable use of pesticides, as well as the increasing prevalence of genetic resistance to these chemicals. We are focusing on the identification of gut antigens of the flea which may form the basis of an anti-flea vaccine to protect against infestation. Major techniques: cDNA library screening, DNA cloning, RT-PCR, DNA vaccination, recombinant protein production
Characterisation of Flea AllergensFleas are the number one cause of skin disease in pets due to the itching and irritation produced by their bite. The culprit, flea saliva, is injected during a blood meal and has been described as the most irritating substance known, with many cats and up to 40% of most dog populations being allergic to it. Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the term used to describe the full clinical syndrome, which involves itching, the cardinal feature, and the typical lumbo-sacral distribution of chronic skin lesions. Despite the high prevalence and worldwide distribution of flea-bite hypersensitivity, relatively few studies have been devoted to the isolation and characterisation of the flea components responsible for inducing allergic reactions. This study has the aim of identifying flea allergens responsible for triggering allergic responses. This should open possibilities for the future improvement of diagnosis and/or desensitisation therapies for flea-bite hypersensitivity which specifically modulate the immune response. Major techniques: SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, 2-D gel electrophoresis, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry |
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Broad Research Interests (Keywords):
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