The genetic diversity of the dingo, Australia's largest indigenous carnivore, has been a long-standing research interest of Dr. Alan Wilton.
Production and Purification of Peanut Allergen Proteins
Subject area and Aims: Peanut allergy is one of the most severe and common food allergies reported in Western diets. This project aims to contribute toward immunoassay development for peanut proteins.
Background: Peanut allergy arises due to an allergic response to one of 8 identified proteins (Ara h 1-8). In order to develop immunoassays to a selection of these antigens, this project will focus on expression and purification of recombinant versions of up to 4 of the major contributing proteins; Ara h 1-3 and Ara h 6. The proteins will be characterised for functionality and if time permits, will be used to immunise mice for the production of monoclonal antibodies, which will potentially lead to a sensitive immunoassay for the food industry.
Significance and current work: Currently, we have developed protocols to purify native peanut proteins with Dr. Alice Lee of Chemical Sciences. The ability to have access to purified native and recombinant forms of these allergen proteins will significantly enhance progress toward immunoassay development.
BABS personnel that are responsible for this project