Invertebrate Virology
Insects are commonly infected with viruses. We study the interactions between viruses and their insect or arthropod hosts.
Viruses are obligate parasites, that is, they are completely dependent on the host cell machinery to complete their replication cycle. During infection, viruses commonly cause pathology in the host. For these reasons, viruses and hosts are in a constant evolutionary arms race. The host evolves antiviral mechanisms to prevent virus infection, while the virus adapts to overcome these host responses. Insects are ideal hosts to understand both the host response and the virus mechanisms for controlling the host.
My research group investigates the interactions between viruses and insects, primarily using Drosophila as a model. In this model we can control the genetics of both the host and the virus to tease apart the contribution of each partner to the interaction.
We discovered that a bacterium, Wolbachia, mediated antiviral protection in insects. We have several projects investigating both the mechanisms that protect the insects from virus infection and the impact of this protection on virus transmission.
Understanding how insects respond to infection with viruses is important to develop strategies to control the spread of virus induced disease.
Journal Article: Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection in Drosophila larvae and adults following oral infection
Stevanovic, Aleksej L., Arnold, Pieter A. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2015). Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection in Drosophila larvae and adults following oral infection. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 81 (23), 8215-8223. doi: 10.1128/AEM.02841-15
Journal Article: The impact of Wolbachia on virus infection in mosquitoes
Johnson, Karyn N. (2015). The impact of Wolbachia on virus infection in mosquitoes. Viruses, 7 (11), 5705-5717. doi: 10.3390/v7112903
Journal Article: Infectivity of drosophila C virus following oral delivery in drosophila larvae
Stevanovic, Aleksej L. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2015). Infectivity of drosophila C virus following oral delivery in drosophila larvae. Journal of General Virology, 96 (6), 1490-1496. doi: 10.1099/vir.0.000068
Journal Article: Oxidative stress correlates with Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection in Wolbachia-Drosophila associations
Wong, Zhee Sheen, Brownlie, Jeremy C and Johnson, Karyn N (2015). Oxidative stress correlates with Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection in Wolbachia-Drosophila associations. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 81 (9), 3001-3005. doi: 10.1128/AEM.03847-14
Journal Article: Bacteria and antiviral immunity in insects
Johnson, Karyn N. (2015). Bacteria and antiviral immunity in insects. Current Opinion in Insect Science, 8 87, 97-103. doi: 10.1016/j.cois.2015.01.008
Journal Article: Antiviral protection and the importance of Wolbachia density and: tissue tropism in Drosophila simulans
Osborne, Sheree E., Iturbe-Ormaetxe, Inaki, Brownlie, Jeremy C., O'Neill, Scott L. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2012). Antiviral protection and the importance of Wolbachia density and: tissue tropism in Drosophila simulans. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 78 (19), 6922-6929. doi: 10.1128/AEM.01727-12
Journal Article: Variation in Antiviral Protection Mediated by Different Wolbachia Strains in Drosophila simulans
Osborne, S.E., Leong, Y., O’Neill, S.L. and Johnson, K.N. (2009). Variation in Antiviral Protection Mediated by Different Wolbachia Strains in Drosophila simulans. PLoS Pathogens, 5 (11) e1000656, Article number e1000656. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000656
Journal Article: Wolbachia and virus protection in insects
Hedges, Lauren M., Brownlie, Jeremy C., O'Neill, Scott L. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2008). Wolbachia and virus protection in insects. Science, 322 (5902), 702-702. doi: 10.1126/science.1162418
(2018) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
(2015) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
High Throughput Genotyping using Paralleled and Miniaturized DNA amplification.
(2012) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
The means to an end: Characterising the functions of Drosophila melanogaster microRNAs on virus infection
Doctor Philosophy
Genetic screening of Immune related miRNA in Drosophila
Doctor Philosophy
Dissecting insect-host interactions within the Drosophila model
Doctor Philosophy
Host-virus interactions
Oppoertunities exist in my research group for enthusiastic students with a background in microbiology or genetics. Please contact me to discuss the currently available projects which are likely to include: Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection, the role of miRNAs in the host-virus interaction, molecular determinants of virus virulence or other projects using the Drosophila model to understand the host-virus interaction.
Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection in Drosophila larvae and adults following oral infection
Stevanovic, Aleksej L., Arnold, Pieter A. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2015). Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection in Drosophila larvae and adults following oral infection. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 81 (23), 8215-8223. doi: 10.1128/AEM.02841-15
The impact of Wolbachia on virus infection in mosquitoes
Johnson, Karyn N. (2015). The impact of Wolbachia on virus infection in mosquitoes. Viruses, 7 (11), 5705-5717. doi: 10.3390/v7112903
Infectivity of drosophila C virus following oral delivery in drosophila larvae
Stevanovic, Aleksej L. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2015). Infectivity of drosophila C virus following oral delivery in drosophila larvae. Journal of General Virology, 96 (6), 1490-1496. doi: 10.1099/vir.0.000068
Wong, Zhee Sheen, Brownlie, Jeremy C and Johnson, Karyn N (2015). Oxidative stress correlates with Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection in Wolbachia-Drosophila associations. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 81 (9), 3001-3005. doi: 10.1128/AEM.03847-14
Bacteria and antiviral immunity in insects
Johnson, Karyn N. (2015). Bacteria and antiviral immunity in insects. Current Opinion in Insect Science, 8 87, 97-103. doi: 10.1016/j.cois.2015.01.008
Osborne, Sheree E., Iturbe-Ormaetxe, Inaki, Brownlie, Jeremy C., O'Neill, Scott L. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2012). Antiviral protection and the importance of Wolbachia density and: tissue tropism in Drosophila simulans. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 78 (19), 6922-6929. doi: 10.1128/AEM.01727-12
Variation in Antiviral Protection Mediated by Different Wolbachia Strains in Drosophila simulans
Osborne, S.E., Leong, Y., O’Neill, S.L. and Johnson, K.N. (2009). Variation in Antiviral Protection Mediated by Different Wolbachia Strains in Drosophila simulans. PLoS Pathogens, 5 (11) e1000656, Article number e1000656. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000656
Wolbachia and virus protection in insects
Hedges, Lauren M., Brownlie, Jeremy C., O'Neill, Scott L. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2008). Wolbachia and virus protection in insects. Science, 322 (5902), 702-702. doi: 10.1126/science.1162418
Bonning, Bryony C. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2010). Dicistroviruses. Insect Virology. (pp. 197-229) edited by Sussan Asgari and Karyn N. Johnson. Norfolk, United Kingdom: Caister Academic Press.
Development of vaccines and management of viral diseases of crustaceans
Van Hulten, M., Johnson, K.N. and Barnes, A.C. (2009). Development of vaccines and management of viral diseases of crustaceans. Shellfish Safety and Quality. (pp. 359-383) edited by Sandra Shumway and Gary E. Rodrick. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Woodhead Publishing . doi: 10.1533/9781845695576.3.359
Dicistroviridae in virus taxonomy
Christian, P. D., Carstens, E. B., Domier, L., Johnson, J., Johnson, K. N., Nakashima, N., Scotti, P. D. and van der Wilk, F. (2005). Dicistroviridae in virus taxonomy. Virus taxonomy : the eighth report of the International Committee on taxonomy viruses. (pp. 678-683) edited by Fauquet, C. M., Mayo, M. A., Maniloff, J., Desselberger, U. and Ball, L. A.. San Diego: Academic Press (Elsevier Press).
Christian, P. D., Carstens, E. B., Domier, L., Johnson, J., Johnson, K. N., Nakashima, N., Scotti, P. D. and van der Wilk, F. (2005). Iflavirus in Virus Taxonomy. Virus taxonomy: Classification and nomenclature of viruses : Eighth report of the International Committee on the Taxonomy of Viruses. (pp. 678-683) edited by Fauquet, C. M., Mayo, M. A., Maniloff, J., Desselberger, U. and Ball, L. A.. San Diego: Elsevier Academic press.
Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”
Speck, Peter, Mackenzie, Jason, Bull, Rowena A., Slobedman, Barry, Drummer, Heidi, Fraser, Johanna, Herrero, Lara, Helbig, Karla, Londrigan, Sarah, Moseley, Gregory, Prow, Natalie, Hansman, Grant, Edwards, Robert, Ahlenstiel, Chantelle, Abendroth, Allison, Tscharke, David, Hobson-Peters, Jody, Kriiger-Loterio, Robson, Parry, Rhys, Marsh, Glenn, Harding, Emma, Jacques, David A., Gartner, Matthew J., Lee, Wen Shi, McAuley, Julie, Vaz, Paola, Sainsbury, Frank, Tate, Michelle D., Sinclair, Jane ... Young, Paul (2023). Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”. Journal of Virology, 97 (5). doi: 10.1128/jvi.00451-23
Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”
Speck, Peter, Mackenzie, Jason, Bull, Rowena A., Slobedman, Barry, Drummer, Heidi, Fraser, Johanna, Herrero, Lara, Helbig, Karla, Londrigan, Sarah, Moseley, Gregory, Prow, Natalie, Hansman, Grant, Edwards, Robert, Ahlenstiel, Chantelle, Abendroth, Allison, Tscharke, David, Hobson-Peters, Jody, Kriiger-Loterio, Robson, Parry, Rhys, Marsh, Glenn, Harding, Emma, Jacques, David A., Gartner, Matthew J., Lee, Wen Shi, McAuley, Julie, Vaz, Paola, Sainsbury, Frank, Tate, Michelle D., Sinclair, Jane ... Young, Paul (2023). Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”. mBio, 14 (3). doi: 10.1128/mbio.00815-23
Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”
Speck, Peter, Mackenzie, Jason, Bull, Rowena A., Slobedman, Barry, Drummer, Heidi, Fraser, Johanna, Herrero, Lara, Helbig, Karla, Londrigan, Sarah, Moseley, Gregory, Prow, Natalie, Hansman, Grant, Edwards, Robert, Ahlenstiel, Chantelle, Abendroth, Allison, Tscharke, David, Hobson-Peters, Jody, Kriiger-Loterio, Robson, Parry, Rhys, Marsh, Glenn, Harding, Emma, Jacques, David A., Gartner, Matthew J., Lee, Wen Shi, McAuley, Julie, Vaz, Paola, Sainsbury, Frank, Tate, Michelle D., Sinclair, Jane ... Young, Paul (2023). Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”. mSphere, 8 (3). doi: 10.1128/msphere.00165-23
Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope-a Call for Rational Discourse”
Speck, Peter, Mackenzie, Jason, Bull, Rowena A., Slobedman, Barry, Drummer, Heidi, Fraser, Johanna, Herrero, Lara, Helbig, Karla, Londrigan, Sarah, Moseley, Gregory, Prow, Natalie, Hansman, Grant, Edwards, Robert, Ahlenstiel, Chantelle, Abendroth, Allison, Tscharke, David, Hobson-Peters, Jody, Kriiger-Loterio, Robson, Parry, Rhys, Marsh, Glenn, Harding, Emma, Jacques, David A., Gartner, Matthew J., Lee, Wen Shi, McAuley, Julie, Vaz, Paola, Sainsbury, Frank, Tate, Michelle D., Sinclair, Jane ... Young, Paul (2023). Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope-a Call for Rational Discourse”. Journal of Virology, 97 (5). doi: 10.1128/jvi.00451-23
Asselin, Angelique K., Etebari, Kayvan, Furlong, Michael J. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2021). A new dicistro-like virus from soldier fly, Inopus flavus (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), a pest of sugarcane. Archives of Virology, 166 (10), 2841-2846. doi: 10.1007/s00705-021-05171-2
Villegas-Ospina, Simon, Merritt, David J. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2021). Physical and chemical barriers in the larval midgut confer developmental resistance to virus infection in Drosophila. Viruses, 13 (5) 894, 894. doi: 10.3390/v13050894
Micro-RNA modulation of insect virus replication
Monsanto-Hearne, Verna and Johnson, Karyn N. (2020). Micro-RNA modulation of insect virus replication. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 34, 61-81. doi: 10.21775/cimb.034.061
Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection is cell-autonomous
Nainu, Firzan, Trenerry, Alice and Johnson, Karyn N. (2019). Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection is cell-autonomous. Journal of General Virology, 100 (11), 1587-1592. doi: 10.1099/jgv.0.001342
Drosophila melanogaster infected with Wolbachia strain wMelCS prefer cooler temperatures
Arnold, Pieter A., Levin, Samantha C., Stevanovic, Aleksej L. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2019). Drosophila melanogaster infected with Wolbachia strain wMelCS prefer cooler temperatures. Ecological Entomology, 44 (2), 287-290. doi: 10.1111/een.12696
Asselin, Angelique K., Villegas-Ospina, Simon, Hoffmann, Ary A., Brownlie, Jeremy C. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2019). Contrasting patterns of virus protection and functional incompatibility genes in two conspecific Wolbachia strains from Drosophila pandora. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 85 (5) e02290-18. doi: 10.1128/aem.02290-18
The taxonomy of an Australian nodavirus isolated from mosquitoes
Warrilow, David, Huang, Bixing, Newton, Natalee D., Harrison, Jessica J., Johnson, Karyn N., Chow, Weng Kong, Hall, Roy A. and Hobson-Peters, Jody (2018). The taxonomy of an Australian nodavirus isolated from mosquitoes. PLoS ONE, 13 (12) e0210029, e0210029. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210029
miRNAs in insects infected by animal and plant viruses
Monsanto-Hearne, Verna and Johnson, Karyn N. (2018). miRNAs in insects infected by animal and plant viruses. Viruses, 10 (7) 354, 354. doi: 10.3390/v10070354
Monsanto-Hearne, Verna and Johnson, Karyn N. (2018). Wolbachia-mediated protection of Drosophila melanogaster against systemic infection with its natural viral pathogen Drosophila C virus does not involve changes in levels of highly abundant miRNAs. Journal of General Virology, 99 (6) 001064, 827-831. doi: 10.1099/jgv.0.001064
Drosophila microRNA modulates viral replication by targeting a homologue of mammalian cJun
Monsanto-Hearne, Verna, Asad, Sultan, Asgari, Sassan and Johnson, Karyn N. (2017). Drosophila microRNA modulates viral replication by targeting a homologue of mammalian cJun. Journal of General Virology, 98 (7) 000831, 1904-1912. doi: 10.1099/jgv.0.000831
Drosophila miR-956 suppression modulates Ectoderm-expressed 4 and inhibits viral replication
Monsanto-Hearne, Verna, Tham, Annabelle L. Y., Wong, Zhee Sheen, Asgari, Sassan and Johnson, Karyn N. (2017). Drosophila miR-956 suppression modulates Ectoderm-expressed 4 and inhibits viral replication. Virology, 502, 20-27. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2016.12.009
Plant virus-insect vector interactions: current and potential future research directions
Dietzgen, Ralf G., Mann, Krin S. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2016). Plant virus-insect vector interactions: current and potential future research directions. Viruses, 8 (11) 303, 303. doi: 10.3390/v8110303
Impact of ERK activation on fly survival and Wolbachia-mediated protection during virus infection
Wong, Zhee Sheen, Brownlie, Jeremy C. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2016). Impact of ERK activation on fly survival and Wolbachia-mediated protection during virus infection. Journal of General Virology, 97 (6) 000456, 1446-1452. doi: 10.1099/jgv.0.000456
Mann, Krin S., Johnson, Karyn N., Carroll, Bernard J. and Dietzgen, Ralf G. (2016). Cytorhabdovirus P protein suppresses RISC-mediated cleavage and RNA silencing amplification in planta. Virology, 490, 27-40. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2016.01.003
Mann, Krin S., Bejerman, Nicolas, Johnson, Karyn N. and Dietzgen, Ralf G. (2016). Corrigendum to "Cytorhabdovirus P3 genes encode 30K-like cell-to-cell movement proteins" [Virology, 489, (2016), 20-33]. Virology, 490, 119-119. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2016.01.014
Cytorhabdovirus P3 genes encode 30K-like cell-to-cell movement proteins
Mann, Krin S., Bejerman, Nicolas, Johnson, Karyn N. and Dietzgen, Ralf G. (2016). Cytorhabdovirus P3 genes encode 30K-like cell-to-cell movement proteins. Virology, 489, 20-33. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2015.11.028
Arnold, Pieter A., White, Craig R. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2015). Drosophila melanogaster does not exhibit a behavioural fever response when infected with Drosophila C virus. Journal of General Virology, 96 (12), 3667-3671. doi: 10.1099/jgv.0.000296
Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection in Drosophila larvae and adults following oral infection
Stevanovic, Aleksej L., Arnold, Pieter A. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2015). Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection in Drosophila larvae and adults following oral infection. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 81 (23), 8215-8223. doi: 10.1128/AEM.02841-15
The impact of Wolbachia on virus infection in mosquitoes
Johnson, Karyn N. (2015). The impact of Wolbachia on virus infection in mosquitoes. Viruses, 7 (11), 5705-5717. doi: 10.3390/v7112903
Infectivity of drosophila C virus following oral delivery in drosophila larvae
Stevanovic, Aleksej L. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2015). Infectivity of drosophila C virus following oral delivery in drosophila larvae. Journal of General Virology, 96 (6), 1490-1496. doi: 10.1099/vir.0.000068
Wong, Zhee Sheen, Brownlie, Jeremy C and Johnson, Karyn N (2015). Oxidative stress correlates with Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection in Wolbachia-Drosophila associations. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 81 (9), 3001-3005. doi: 10.1128/AEM.03847-14
A novel pathway of cell death in response to cytosolic DNA in Drosophila cells
Vitak, Nazarii, Johnson, Karyn N., Sester, David P. and Stacey, Katryn J. (2015). A novel pathway of cell death in response to cytosolic DNA in Drosophila cells. Journal of Innate Immunity, 7 (2), 212-222. doi: 10.1159/000368276
Mann, Krin S., Johnson, Karyn N. and Dietzgen, Ralf G. (2015). Cytorhabdovirus phosphoprotein shows RNA silencing suppressor activity in plants, but not in insect cells. Virology, 476, 413-418. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2014.12.023
Bacteria and antiviral immunity in insects
Johnson, Karyn N. (2015). Bacteria and antiviral immunity in insects. Current Opinion in Insect Science, 8 87, 97-103. doi: 10.1016/j.cois.2015.01.008
Physiological and metabolic consequences of viral infection in Drosophila melanogaster
Arnold, Pieter A., Johnson, Karyn N. and White, Craig R. (2013). Physiological and metabolic consequences of viral infection in Drosophila melanogaster. Journal of Experimental Biology, 216 (17), 3350-3357. doi: 10.1242/jeb.088138
Antiviral immunity and protection in penaeid shrimp
Underwood, Darren J., Cowley, Jeff A. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2013). Antiviral immunity and protection in penaeid shrimp. Invertebrate Immunity, 1, 2-14. doi: 10.2478/invim-2013-0001
Dietary cholesterol modulates pathogen blocking by Wolbachia
Caragata, Eric P., Rances, Edwige, Hedges, Lauren M., Gofton, Alexander W., Johnson, Karyn N., O'Neill, Scott L. and McGraw, Elizabeth A. (2013). Dietary cholesterol modulates pathogen blocking by Wolbachia. PloS Pathogens, 9 (6) e1003459, e1003459. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003459
Osborne, Sheree E., Iturbe-Ormaetxe, Inaki, Brownlie, Jeremy C., O'Neill, Scott L. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2012). Antiviral protection and the importance of Wolbachia density and: tissue tropism in Drosophila simulans. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 78 (19), 6922-6929. doi: 10.1128/AEM.01727-12
Hedges, Lauren M., Yamada, Ryuichi, O'Neill, Scott L. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2012). The Small interfering RNA pathway is not essential for Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection in Drosophila melanogaster. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 78 (18), 6773-6776. doi: 10.1128/AEM.01650-12
Waqairatu, Salote S., Dierens, Leanne, Cowley, Jeff A., Dixon, Tom J., Johnson, Karyn N., Barnes, Andrew C. and Li, Yutao (2012). Genetic analysis of Black Tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) across its natural distribution range reveals more recent colonization of Fiji and other South Pacific islands. Ecology and Evolution, 2 (8), 2057-2071. doi: 10.1002/ece3.316
Fenton, Andrew, Johnson, Karyn N., Brownlie, Jeremy C. and Hurst, Gregory D. D. (2011). Solving the Wolbachia Paradox: Modeling the Tripartite Interaction between Host, Wolbachia, and a Natural Enemy. American Naturalist, 178 (3), 333-342. doi: 10.1086/661247
Wolbachia-mediated antibacterial protection and immune gene regulation in Drosophila
Wong, Zhee Sheen, Hedges, Lauren M., Brownlie, Jeremy C. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2011). Wolbachia-mediated antibacterial protection and immune gene regulation in Drosophila. PLoS One, 6 (9 Article # e25430) e25430, e25430-1-e25430-8. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025430
Gill-associated virus and recombinant protein vaccination in Penaeus monodon
Underwood, Darren J., Cowley, Jeff A., Sellars, Melony J., Barnes, Andrew C., van Hulten, Marielle C. W. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2010). Gill-associated virus and recombinant protein vaccination in Penaeus monodon. Aquaculture, 308 (3-4), 82-88. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2010.08.027
Thomas, P., Yamada, R., Johnson, K. N. and Asgari, S. (2010). Ectopic expression of an endoparasitic wasp venom protein in Drosophila melanogaster affects immune function, larval development and oviposition. Insect Molecular Biology, 19 (4), 473-480. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2010.01004.x
Bonning, Bryony C. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2010). Dicistroviruses. Insect Virology, 201-229.
A Wolbachia Symbiont in Aedes aegypti Limits Infection with Dengue, Chikungunya, and Plasmodium
Moreira, LA, Iturbe-Ormaetxe, I, Jeffery, JA, Lu, GJ, Pyke, AT, Hedges, LM, Rocha, BC, Hall-Mendelin, S, Day, A, Riegler, M, Hugo, LE, Johnson, KN, Kay, BH, McGraw, EA, van den Hurk, AF, Ryan, PA and O'Neill, SL (2009). A Wolbachia Symbiont in Aedes aegypti Limits Infection with Dengue, Chikungunya, and Plasmodium. Cell, 139 (7), 1268-1278. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2009.11.042
Variation in Antiviral Protection Mediated by Different Wolbachia Strains in Drosophila simulans
Osborne, S.E., Leong, Y., O’Neill, S.L. and Johnson, K.N. (2009). Variation in Antiviral Protection Mediated by Different Wolbachia Strains in Drosophila simulans. PLoS Pathogens, 5 (11) e1000656, Article number e1000656. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000656
Symbiont-mediated protection in insect hosts
Brownlie, J.C. and Johnson, K.N. (2009). Symbiont-mediated protection in insect hosts. Trends in Microbiology, 17 (8), 348-354. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2009.05.005
Ambrose, R.L., Lander, G.C., Maaty, W.S., Bothner, B., Johnson, J.E. and Johnson, K.N. (2009). Drosophila A virus is an unusual RNA virus with a T=3 icosahedral core and permuted RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Journal of General Virology, 90 (9), 2191-2200. doi: 10.1099/vir.0.012104-0
Wolbachia and virus protection in insects
Hedges, Lauren M., Brownlie, Jeremy C., O'Neill, Scott L. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2008). Wolbachia and virus protection in insects. Science, 322 (5902), 702-702. doi: 10.1126/science.1162418
“Vaccination” of Shrimp Against Viral Pathogens: Phenomenology and Underlying Mechanisms
Johnson, K. N., van Hulten, M.C.W. and Barnes, A. C. (2008). “Vaccination” of Shrimp Against Viral Pathogens: Phenomenology and Underlying Mechanisms. Vaccine, 26 (38), 4885-4892. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.07.019
Hughes, G. L., Allsopp, P., Brumbley, S., Johnson, K. N. and O'Neill, S. L. (2008). In vitro rearing of Perkinsiella saccharicida and the use of leaf segments to assay Fiji disease virus transmission. Phytopathology, 98 (7), 810-814. doi: 10.1094/PHYTO-98-7-0810
Induction of host defence responses by Drosophila C virus
Hedges, Lauren M. and Johnson, Karyn N. (2008). Induction of host defence responses by Drosophila C virus. Journal of General Virology, 89 (6), 1497-1501. doi: 10.1099/vir.0.83684-0
Genetic variability of genome segments 3 and 9 of Fiji disease virus field isolates
Jiang, Jun-xi, Ridley, A., Tang, H -M.H., Croft, B.J. and Johnson, K. N. (2008). Genetic variability of genome segments 3 and 9 of Fiji disease virus field isolates. Archives of Virology, 153 (5), 839-848. doi: 10.1007/s00705-008-0058-1
Variation in acquisition of Fiji disease virus by Perkinsiella saccharicida (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Ridley, Andrew W., Dhileepan, K., Walter, Gimme H., Johnson, Karyn N. and Croft, Barry J. (2008). Variation in acquisition of Fiji disease virus by Perkinsiella saccharicida (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 101 (1), 17-22. doi: 10.1093/jee/101.1.17
Ridley, A. W., Dhileepan, K., Johnson, K. N., Allsopp, P. G., Nutt, K. A., Walter, G. H. and Croft, B. J. (2006). Is the distribution of Fiji leaf gall in Australian sugarcane explained by variation in the vector Perkinsiella saccharicida?. Australasian Plant Pathology, 35 (2), 103-112. doi: 10.1071/AP06011
Johnson, Karyn N., Tang, Liang, Johnson, John E. and Ball, L. Andrew (2004). Heterologous RNA encapsidated in pariacoto virus-like particles forms a dodecahedral cage similar to genomic RNA in wild-type virions. Journal of Virology, 78 (20), 11371-11378. doi: 10.1128/JVI.78.20.11371-11378.2004
Johnson, Karyn N. and Ball, L. Andrew (2003). Virlons of Pariacoto virus contain a minor protein translated from the second AUG codon of the capsid protein open reading frame. Journal of General Virology, 84 (10), 2847-2852. doi: 10.1099/vir.0.19419-0
Providence virus: a new member of the Tetraviridae that infects cultured insect cells
Pringle, Fiona M., Johnson, Karyn N., Goodman, Cynthia L., McIntosh, Arthur H. and Ball, L. Andrew (2003). Providence virus: a new member of the Tetraviridae that infects cultured insect cells. Virology, 306 (2), 359-370. doi: 10.1016/S0042-6822(02)00052-1
Johnson, K.N., Johnson, K.L., Dasgupta, R., Gratsch, T. and Ball, L.A. (2001). Comparisons among the larger genome segments of six nodaviruses and their encoded RNA replicases (vol 82, pg 1855, 2001). Journal of General Virology, 82 (12), 3119-3119. doi: 10.1099/0022-1317-82-12-3119
Recovery of infectious pariacoto virus from cDNA clones and identification of susceptible cell lines
Johnson, Karyn N. and Ball, L. Andrew (2001). Recovery of infectious pariacoto virus from cDNA clones and identification of susceptible cell lines. Journal of Virology, 75 (24), 12220-12227. doi: 10.1128/JVI.75.24.12220-12227.2001
Comparisons among the larger genome segments of six nodaviruses and their encoded RNA replicases
Johnson, Karyn N., Johnson, Kyle L., Dasgupta, Ranjit, Gratsch, Theresa and Ball, L. Andrew (2001). Comparisons among the larger genome segments of six nodaviruses and their encoded RNA replicases. Journal of General Virology, 82 (8), 1855-1866. doi: 10.1099/0022-1317-82-8-1855
The structure of Pariacoto virus reveals a dodecahedral cage of duplex RNA
Tang, L., Johnson, K. N., Ball, L. A., Lin, T. W., Yeager, M. and Johnson, J. E. (2001). The structure of Pariacoto virus reveals a dodecahedral cage of duplex RNA. Nature Structural Biology, 8 (1), 77-83. doi: 10.1038/83089
Johnson, Karyn N., Zeddam, Jean-Louis and Ball, L. Andrew (2000). Characterization and Construction of Functional cDNA Clones of Pariacoto Virus, the First Alphanodavirus Isolated outside Australasia. Journal of Virology, 74 (11), 5123-5132. doi: 10.1128/JVI.74.11.5123-5132.2000
Johnson, Karyn N., Zeddam, Jean-Louis and Ball, L. Andrew (2000). Characterization and construction of functional cDNA clones of pariacoto virus, the first Alphanodavirus isolated outside Australasia. Journal of Virology, 74 (11), 5123-5132. doi: 10.1128/JVI.74.11.5123-5132.2000
Johnson, Karyn N., Gordon, Karl H. J. and Hanzlik, Terry N. (2000). Reverse transcription of a naturally occurring nonretroviral RNA produces a precise deletion in the majority of its cDNA products. Iubmb Life, 49 (3), 223-227. doi: 10.1080/152165400306241
Molecular characterization of Drosophila C virus isolates
Johnson, KN and Christian, PD (1999). Molecular characterization of Drosophila C virus isolates. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 73 (3), 248-254. doi: 10.1006/jipa.1998.4830
Johnson, K. N. and Christian, P. D. (1998). The novel genome organization of the insect picorna-like virus Drosophila C virus suggests this virus belongs to a previously undescribed virus family. Journal of General Virology, 79 (1), 191-203. doi: 10.1099/0022-1317-79-1-191
Johnson, K. N. and Christian, P. D. (1996). A molecular taxonomy for cricket paralysis virus including two new isolates from Australian populations ofDrosophila. Archives of Virology, 141 (8), 1509-1522. doi: 10.1007/BF01718251
Coates, Craig J., Johnson, Karyn N., Perkins, Harvey D., Howells, Antony J., O'Brochta, David A. and Atkinson, Peter W. (1996). The hermit transposable element of the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina, belongs to the hAT family of transposable elements. Genetica, 96 (1), 23-31. doi: 10.1007/BF00132577
Hanzlik, Terry N., Dorrian, Susan J., Johnson, Karyn N., Brooks , Elizabeth M. and Gordon , Karl H. J. (1995). Sequence of RNA2 of the Helicoverpa armigera stunt virus (Tetraviridae) and bacterial expression of its genes. Journal of General Virology, 76 (4), 799-811. doi: 10.1099/0022-1317-76-4-799
Gordon, Khj, Johnson, KN and Hanzlik, TN (1995). The Larger Genomic Rna of Helicoverpa-Armigera Stunt Tetravirus Encodes the Viral-Rna Polymerase and Has a Novel 3'-Terminal Transfer-Rna-Like Structure. Virology, 208 (1), 84-98. doi: 10.1006/viro.1995.1132
Gordon, K. H. J., Johnson, K. N. and Hanzlik, T. N. (1995). The larger genomic RNA of Helicoverpa armigera stunt tetravirus encodes the viral RNA polymerase and has a novel 3'-terminal t-RNA-like structure. Virology, 208 (1), 84-98. doi: 10.1006/viro.1995.1132
Evolution of cell death responses to cytosolic DNA
Vitak, N., Johnson, K. N., Hume, D. A., Sester, D. P. and Stacey, K. J. (2016). Evolution of cell death responses to cytosolic DNA. ICI 2016 International Congress of Immunology, Melbourne, Australia, 21-26 August 2016. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley. doi: 10.1002/eji.201670200
Acquisition of Fiji disease virus from sugarcane by its insect vector
Ridley, A. W., Walter, G. H., Croft, B. J. and Johnson, K. N. (2006). Acquisition of Fiji disease virus from sugarcane by its insect vector. 28th Annual Conference of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, Mackay, Queensland, Australia, 2-5 May 2006. Mackay, Australia: Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists.
Hughes, G. L., Allsopp, P. G., Brumbley, S. M, Johnson, K. N. and O'Neill, S. L. (2006). Identification, culturing and transformation of yeast-like symbionts of the planthopper, Perkinsiella saccharicida. 5th International Society of Symbiosis conference, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, 4-10 August, 2006.
(2018) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
(2015) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
High Throughput Genotyping using Paralleled and Miniaturized DNA amplification.
(2012) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
Cellular and molecular interactions of rhabdoviruses with their plant hosts and insect vectors
(2011–2014) ARC Linkage Projects
Understanding the mechanism of Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection
(2010–2012) ARC Discovery Projects
(2010–2011) UQ FirstLink Scheme
Building Capacity in Quantitative Genomics
(2009) UQ School/Centre Co-Funding
Controlled Environment Facilities for the Challenges of the 21st Century
(2008) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
Fiji Disease Research Project 1
(2006–2007) CRC for Tropical Plant Protection
Fiji Disease Research Project 2
(2006–2007) CRC for Tropical Plant Protection
Biophysical and Genomic Characterisation of Drosophila Viruses
(2006) UQ Early Career Researcher
(2005) University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
(2004–2005) UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
The means to an end: Characterising the functions of Drosophila melanogaster microRNAs on virus infection
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Genetic screening of Immune related miRNA in Drosophila
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Dissecting insect-host interactions within the Drosophila model
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
(2021) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
The role of host microRNAs in Drosophila melanogaster-virus interaction
(2018) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
(2016) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection in Drosophila
(2016) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
The role of resource competition in the Wolbachia-host relationship
(2013) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
(2012) Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
Endosymbionts and viromes: interplays between Wolbachia pipientis and the virome of Aedes mosquitoes
(2021) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Investigating the role of non-coding RNAs in Aedes aegypti biology
(2020) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Investigating the role of microRNAs in Wolbachia-Aedes aegypti-dengue virus interactions
(2018) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Cellular and molecular interactions of cytorhabdoviruses with their plant hosts
(2016) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Transcriptional profiling of Arabidopsis defence responses to Cucumber mosaic virus
(2014) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
The role of small non-coding RNAs in host-baculovirus interaction and insect development
(2013) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
ASCOVIRUS INFECTION: Role of microRNAs and viral encoded genes in gene silencing and pathogenesis
(2010) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
(2009) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Development of a paratransgenic approach to control Fiji leaf gall in sugarcane
(2008) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Characterisation Of White Patch Syndrome, A Putative Disease Affecting Corals In The Genus Porites On The Great Barrier Reef
(2007) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
A STUDY OF PLANTHOPPERS AS VECTORS OF FIJI DISEASE VIRUS OF SUGARCANE
(2006) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.
Host-virus interactions
Oppoertunities exist in my research group for enthusiastic students with a background in microbiology or genetics. Please contact me to discuss the currently available projects which are likely to include: Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection, the role of miRNAs in the host-virus interaction, molecular determinants of virus virulence or other projects using the Drosophila model to understand the host-virus interaction.