Department of Microbiology
Monash University
Clayton, Victoria, 3800
Phone: +61 (3) 9905 4808 Fax: +61 (3) 9905 4811
Email: Trudi.Bannam@med.monash.edu.au
Dr Bannam is investigating unique aspects of plasmid biology, as well as studying bacterial pathogenesis of the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium perfringens. The plasmid biology project involves analysis of the distinctive mechanisms by which C. perfringens plasmids are replicated, maintained and transferred amongst bacterial cells. These studies entail construction of isogenic sets of mutants to study the role of plasmid encoded proteins, as well as protein purification and protein-protein interaction studies to dissect the protein complexes.
In collaboration with Dr Corrine Porter and Prof. James Whisstock, studies are underway to determine the x-ray crystal structure of important plasmid biology proteins. The pathogenesis studies have been focusing on the role of the novel toxin, NetB, and the mechanisms by which this toxin contributes to the disease process. These studies utilize both cytotoxic tissue culture assays as well as a chicken model of infection. In addition to these projects, Trudi’s role within the centre also involves the C. perfringens and C jejuni vaccine discovery pipeline projects. The pathogenesis and vaccine discovery projects are conducted in collaboration with Dr Rob Moore and his team at Australian Animal Health Laboratories, CSIRO Livestock Industries.