Symposium on Host-Microbiome Interactions – from Structure to Function
A symposium on all aspects of host-microbiome interactions.
Event series
Cost
Cost per person: 24.19
Registration open from 18 Oct 2019 til 20 Nov 2019
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A symposium on all aspects of host-microbiome interactions. Presentations will include genomics and bioinformatics of microbiomes, physical structure of microbiomes, plant- and animal microbiome interactions; soil and landscape microbiomes, ecology and evolution of host microbiomes. We aim to stimulate discussion across disciplines about the structure, function and evolution of microbiomes associated with a range of eukaryotic hosts and ecosystems, along with the best methods to study microbiomes. We would like to debate future prospects of utilizing host microbiome research to enhance health and sustainability of hosts and ecosystems.
Invited speakers include Prof. Rob Knight (UC San Diego, USA), Prof. Joan Roughgarden (Stanford University, USA), Assoc. Prof. Christian Voolstra (University of Konstanz, Germany), Dr Andrew Nottingham (University of Edinburgh, UK), Dr Alejandra Huerta (North Carolina State University, USA), Dr Ivan Liachko (Phase Genomics).
Location
Robertson Lecture Theatre, Robertson Building #46, Research School of Biology, ANU
Upcoming events in this series
Dr Allen (Zhengyu) Wen - Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) threatens food security for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our research identified two genetic solutions: a mutated peroxisomal peptidase that blocks viral invagination and a eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E mutant that stops viral protein translation while preserving plant growth. Using gene editing, we introduced these traits into elite maize varieties. In Kenyan trials, edited lines showed complete MLN resistance with no yield loss, offering a major advance for protecting millions of farmers’ livelihoods.
Dr Thomas Vanhercke - Plant synthetic biology and metabolic engineering enable precise redesign of plant genomes for improved traits and new functions. For over 20 years, the CSIRO Synthetic Traits group has led in applying advanced genetics to oil crops. This presentation highlights omega-3 transgenic canola as a real-world example delivering health benefits and addressing global supply challenges. I’ll also outline emerging developments such as high-throughput in-planta library screening, advanced RNAi, and novel complex traits pushing plant synthetic biology’s limits.