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Aaron Maule
Research focusses on the discovery and validation of novel control (drug and vaccine) targets in helminth parasites (flatworms and roundworms). Putative chemotherapy targets are drawn from signalling systems involved in sensory and motor functions, particularly those associated with classical neurotransmitter and neuropeptide signalling. Vaccine candidates encompass virulence proteins involved in the host-parasite interaction as well as novel, parasite-specific proteins lacking known homologues. A core facet of these efforts is the ongoing development and optimization of functional genomics platforms for key parasite species, facilitating the interrogation of genomic and transcriptomic resources for novel control targets. A developing area encompasses the translation of in vitro RNA interference methods for both the in vivo assessment of target value and for the direct control of parasitic worms of animals and plants.