Virus-like particle cell entry mimics for antiviral drug discovery
Virus-like particles are non-infectious mimics of viruses that can often enter cells via the same receptor-mediated pathways as the viruses they resemble. Our work in this area includes the development of fluorescent analogues of important human pathogens and the creation of particles of different shape and size to understand the fundamentals of virus-cell interactions.
Primary supervisor: Dr Frank Sainsbury
Other supervisor: N/A
To apply: Contact Dr Frank Sainsbury with your CV at f.sainsbury@griffith.edu.au
Protein cages in biocatalysis and biosensing
We have developed a number of virus-derived protein cages into robust containers for enzymes. In addition, we are constructing hybrid biomaterials with properties tailored to working with different classes of small molecules. There are a number of project opportunities on the application of biocatalytic protein cages in drug discovery and metabolism.
Primary supervisor: Dr Frank Sainsbury
Other supervisor: N/A
To apply: Contact Dr Frank Sainsbury with your CV at f.sainsbury@griffith.edu.au
Biotechnology with persistent plant viruses
We have determined the first structure of a persistent plant virus. It is not clear what advantage these asymptomatic viruses confer in order to maintain the purported symbiotic relationship they have with their hosts. Understanding the form and function of persistent viruses through molecular and structural biology will open many possibilities for their use in plant biotechnology.
Primary supervisor: Dr Frank Sainsbury
Other supervisor: N/A
To apply: Contact Dr Frank Sainsbury with your CV at f.sainsbury@griffith.edu.au