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Research

Pulmonary bacteriophage and cystic fibrosis airway mucus: friends or foes?

For those born with cystic fibrosis (CF), hyper-concentrated mucus with a dysfunctional structure significantly impacts CF airways, providing a perfect environment for bacterial colonization and subsequent chronic infection. Early treatment with antibiotics limits the prevalence of bacterial pathogens but permanently alters the CF airway microenvironment, resulting in antibiotic resistance and other long-term consequences.

Research

Detection of bile acids in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid defines the inflammatory and microbial landscape of the lower airways in infants with cystic fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition characterized by neutrophilic inflammation and recurrent infection of the airways. How these processes are initiated and perpetuated in CF remains largely unknown. We have demonstrated a link between the intestinal microbiota-related metabolites bile acids and inflammation in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from children with stable CF lung disease.

Research

Fathers’ preconception smoking and offspring DNA methylation

Experimental studies suggest that exposures may impact respiratory health across generations via epigenetic changes transmitted specifically through male germ cells. Studies in humans are, however, limited. We aim to identify epigenetic marks in offspring associated with father's preconception smoking.

Contact us

Please contact the team early (at the stage of project design and budgeting) to ensure the most appropriate physiological test is selected with adequate funding.

Focus areas for the Centre

Learn more about the Focus areas for the Wal-yan Respiratory Centre

Artificial Intelligence

The Artificial Intelligence team at the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre is dedicated to delivering AI solutions for major challenges in respiratory healthcare and research.

News & Events

New study to find COVID-fighting properties in existing medications thanks to national grant

Nearly 50 existing prescription medications already used by Australians will be tested by new research in the fight against COVID’s mutant variants.

News & Events

300th participant recruited to crucial respiratory research program

A research program, which enables over 25 important respiratory research studies to be undertaken, celebrated the recruitment of its 300th participant on 14 December 2022.

News & Events

Research to help identify which children will develop asthma and to design more specific asthma treatments supported by Federal Government funding

Research focussed on identifying which children will develop asthma, and developing more specific asthma treatments, has been supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Ideas Grants announced by the Federal Government on 14 December 2022.

Helpful phage links

We've compiled a number of helpful links to phage resources in Australia and beyond.