SUMMARY: Researchers will develop a customizable and ethical model to study amphibian chytridiomycosis.
THE PROBLEM: Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is threatening amphibians around the world. Ninety species of frogs have been driven to extinction by Bd and many more are in danger. The scientific community has responded to the catastrophe but needs more efficient tools to study the fungus before more species are lost.
THE PROJECT: The team will optimize a cell infection model that mimics the host environment and offers flexibility and customization while avoiding animal use. They hope their system can be adopted by research laboratories globally and facilitate scientific discovery to protect amphibians from chytrid.
POTENTIAL IMPACT: The team’s goal is to transform amphibian disease research by building a cell infection model that can be used worldwide to create new antifungal treatments or enhance frog defenses. This will lead to real solutions for protecting frogs against chytrid fungus and restoring them to the wild.
Study ID
D25ZO-303
Study Status
Active
Start Date
07/01/2025
Grant amount awarded
$71,355
Grant recipient
University of Melbourne
Study country
Australia
Investigator
Rebecca Webb, PhD