Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP190102521 [ 2019-07-01 - 2023-06-30 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Professor Bernard Degnan (Chief Investigator) ,  Professor Bernard Degnan (Chief Investigator) ,  Professor Sandie Degnan (Chief Investigator) ,  Professor Sandie Degnan (Chief Investigator)

Brief description Marine sponge–microbe interactions and the origin of animal innate immunity. This project aims to address how the animal innate immune system evolved to discriminate between potential pathogens versus beneficial symbionts by studying a marine sponge holobiont. Using advanced genomic and cellular approaches, the project will uncover deeply conserved regulatory pathways used by the cells of sponges, humans and other animals, and thereby identify cardinal rules governing animal innate immunity and its evolutionary origin. The project will provide an understanding of how beneficial microbial symbionts are recruited and maintained by animals, and are instrumental to the health of our environment and all its inhabitants.

Funding Amount $564,000

Funding Scheme Discovery Projects

View this grant in the ARC Data Portal