Associate Professor Dee Carter
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Associate Professor; Head of Microbiology
G08 - Biochemistry Building |
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Themes | Research interests | Grants | Research project opportunities | Keywords | International links
Themes
Infection and Immunological Conditions
Research interests
Work in the Carter lab centres on the use of genetic markers and molecular techniques to uncover the natural life histories of lower eukaryotic organisms. We are particularly interested in investigating the population structure of these organisms and assessing their potential to undergo genetic reassortment, as this can lead to an increased ability to adapt to adverse challenges. The organisms we are currently most interested in are fungal pathogens of humans (Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii) and algae that live in symbiotic associations with corals (the "zooxanthellae" and the newly discovered symbiont Chromera velia).
We have developed a computer program called Magellan to scan genomes for microsatellite motifs, which can be used in epidemiology and population analyses. To download Magellan, click here.
Our other area of interest is to use proteomic analysis to explore the host-pathogen relationship during fungal infection. The long term aim of this work is to develop novel antifungal therapies, which are currently extremely limited.
Current national competitive grants*
2009
Elucidation of proteins expressed by pathogenic fungi during animal infection
Carter D, Herbert B, Harry E, Krockenberger M
NHMRC Project Grant ($536,500 over 3 years)
Chromera velia - a new organism for understanding malaria and related parasitic diseases
Carter D, Slapeta J
ARC Discovery Project ($290,000 over 3 years)
* Grants administered through the University of Sydney
Research project opportunities
Elucidation of proteins involved in fungal pathogenesis
International links
United States. (Duke University) Collaborate with the Heitman Laboratory on the population genetics of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii.
Keywords
Genetics; Biological sciences; Malaria; Microbiology; Infection and immunity