The impact of pathogens on respiratory epithelium

Several pathogens cause aberration of ion transport in respiratory epithelium resulting in accumulation of fluid in the lung. These pathogens include influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus etc. The cellular mechanisms responsible for the effect of these pathogens on lung fluid retention are not well understood.

This project aims to define the mechanism by which avian influenza virus affects the function of cells lining the lung and the respiratory passages. In this study, we will use electrophysiological and molecular biological techniques to investigate the cellular signalling pathway by which H5N1 avian influenza virus modulates transepithelial Na⁺ absorption across respiratory epithelium. We will determine the role of H5N1 heamaglutinin on decreasing Na⁺ absorption and compare its effect to that of H5 heamaglutinin found in human influenza virus.

Supervisor: Dr Anuwat Dinudom

NH&MRC Senior Research Fellow

Address: Discipline of Physiology, Level 2, rm 231, Medical Foundation Bldg

Phone: 9036 3317

Email: anuwat@physiol.usyd.edu.au