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Leading the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Western Australia.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the Western Australian Epithelial Research Program (WAERP), please click here to access our contact details.
Research
Investigating the Implications of CFTR Exon Skipping Using a Cftr Exon 9 Deleted Mouse ModelSeverity and disease progression in people with Cystic Fibrosis is typically dependent on their genotype. One potential therapeutic strategy for people with specific mutations is exon skipping with antisense oligonucleotides. CFTR exon 9 is an in-frame exon and hence the exclusion of this exon would excise only 31 amino acids but not alter the reading frame of the remaining mRNA.
Research
Does machine learning have a role in the prediction of asthma in children?Asthma is the most common chronic lung disease in childhood. There has been a significant worldwide effort to develop tools/methods to identify children's risk for asthma as early as possible for preventative and early management strategies. Unfortunately, most childhood asthma prediction tools using conventional statistical models have modest accuracy, sensitivity, and positive predictive value.

One way the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre provides the opportunity for consumers and community members to contribute to our research is through participation in one of our eight community reference groups.

Focusing on the developmental trajectories of respiratory health includes developing strategies to improve and support immune system function and development over the life course.
Research
Lytic activity, stability, biofilm disruption capabilities and genomic characterisation of two bacteriophages active against respiratory MRSAThis study aimed to characterise bacteriophages for potential therapeutic use against Staphylococcus aureus, focusing on clinical respiratory isolates of methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) strains. Specifically, it sought to evaluate phage lytic activity, host range, stability, biofilm disruption capabilities, and overall safety for therapeutic use.
Research
Exposure to biodiesel exhaust is less harmful than exposure to mineral diesel exhaust on blood-brain barrier integrity in a murine modelEmerging data suggest that air pollution is a persistent source of neuroinflammation, reactive oxygen species, and neuropathology that contributes to central nervous system disorders. Previous research using animal models has shown that exposure to diesel exhaust causes considerable disruption of the blood-brain barrier, leading to marked neuroinflammation.
Research
Phage therapy to treat cystic fibrosis Burkholderia cepacia complex lung infections: perspectives and challengesgeBurkholderia cepacia complex is a cause of serious lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis, exhibiting extremely high levels of antimicrobial resistance. These infections are difficult to treat and are associated with high morbidity and mortality.
Research
In utero and early-life nitrate in drinking water impacts lung function of weanling ratsConsumption of nitrate in drinking water has previously been associated with a range of adverse health effects, including methemoglobinemia and potentially cancer. In animal models, it has been shown to impact respiratory structure and function, however, there is a paucity of data of the effects of in utero exposure on the respiratory health of offspring.