The Univeristy of Melbourne The Royal Melbourne Hopspital

A joint venture between The University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital

EDUCATION

Research Projects

Project: Determining the importance of conserved residues identified throughout the HBV genome on viral replication and their potential as new therapeutic targets

Revill Group

We have identified a number of residues throughout the HBV genome that are 100 per cent conserved across all major HBV genotypes and phases of chronic HBV disease.  This project will investigate which of these conserved sequences are most important for HBV replication and thus represent potential antiviral targets, using a range of in vitro and in vivo models. Techniques to be utilised include cell culture; HBV transfection and infection, DNA and RNA purification; northern, Southern and western blotting; quantitative serology; siRNA or CRISPR knockdown; PCR, droplet digital PCR and sequencing. 

Contact project supervisor for further
information and application enquiries

Project Supervisor

Professor Peter Revill
 

Project Co-supervisor

Dr Margaret Littlejohn

Project availability
PhD/MPhil
Master of Biomedical Science
Honours

Revill Group

peter.revill@mh.org.au

1 vacancies

Themes
Viral Infectious Diseases
Cross Cutting Disciplines
Global Health
Public Health
Clinical and health systems research

Peter’s group is focuses on developing new approaches towards HBV cure and understanding the mechanisms by which HBV causes liver cancer.  His team utilises a range of in vitro and in vivo models to investigate novel therapeutic approaches (bio-nanoparticles) and the contribution of HBV genotypes and sequence variants to observed differences in HBV replication, disease progression and treatment response. This includes the role of splice variants, which his team has shown may be predictive of liver cancer. Peter’s team has also pioneered the use of deep sequencing and novel haplotype analysis to identify predictors of treatment response, potential new drug targets, and the likelihood of progression to functional cure on therapy.