ANSTO
La Trobe University researchers have used the Australian Synchrotron in a new study that reveals how crocodiles resist fatal fungal infections with a unique pH sensing mechanism despite living in filthy water.
The research team led by senior author Prof Marc Kvansakul solved the atomic structure of small crocodile proteins, known as defensins, using the Microfocus Crystallography (MX2) beamline.
“Using the power of the Australian Synchrotron, we were able generate structural data to define how defensins attack and kill fungal pathogens,” said senior author Professor Mark Hulett, leader of the Hulett Lab at La Trobe University.
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