The Role Of Eph-ephrin Interactions In Mediating Mesenchymal Stem Cell Commitment, Migration And Bone Fracture Repair
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$579,138.00
Summary
In Australia, there is an increasing incidence of fractures that require surgical intervention and rehabilitation therapy. Fracture healing is a complex process that involves the coordination of different bone and immune cells. Our proposal will identify which cell-cell contact molecules mediate bone cell recruitment and development during normal skeletal growth and bone fracture repair. This study will help advance therapies for fracture repair and diseases of bone loss.
The Regulation Of Vitamin D-Dependent Bone Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,535.00
Summary
This project aims to establish the cellular basis for the importance of vitamin D in bone. This information is necessary to develop public health nutritional recommendations for improving in skeletal health and reducing the incidence of hip factures in the elderly. Furthermore our data have the potential to reveal novel activities of vitamin D that could eventuate as pharmacological targets.
Mechanisms Of Premature Cranial Fusion: Role Of Retinol Binding Protein 4 In Osteogenesis And Suture Fusion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,855.00
Summary
Craniosynostosis is a condition where the skull bones fuse prematurely, affecting skull shape, vision and cognition. It occurs in 1 in 2,500 births. The only treatment is surgery, which is life-threatening, costly and may need to be repeated. By studying how fusion happens in this project we may be able to devise therapies to minimize the risks and need for re-operation. Here, we hope to show that modification of a single substance in the skull of mouse models can prevent premature bone fusion.
I am a stem cell biologist researching the properties and application of mesenchymal stem cells, with an aim to develop cellular based therapies for repairing mineralised tissues such as bone, cartilage, dentin, cementum and other connective-supportive ti
Proton translocating ATPases are central to biological energy conversion, one of the most fundamental biological processes on earth whose elucidation has already led to several Nobel prizes. Synthesis of the universal biological energy carrier ATP takes place in the well-characterised soluble domain. The focus of this study is to understand the unknown function of the proton-driven transmembrane motor, which will give fundamental new insights into biological energy conversion and its regulation.
TRAFFICKING OF MEMBRANE SULFATE TRANSPORTERS IN THE KIDNEY
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$211,527.00
Summary
Many diseases such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, results from a defect in the intracellular trafficking of specific membrane proteins. One important family of membrane proteins are the renal sulphate transporters, NaSi-1 and sat-1. They are two important proteins that control body sulphate homeostasis. Sulphate in the body is essential for cell matrix formation and cartilage-bone development and growth. Trafficking defects in these proteins can lead to changes in ser ....Many diseases such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, results from a defect in the intracellular trafficking of specific membrane proteins. One important family of membrane proteins are the renal sulphate transporters, NaSi-1 and sat-1. They are two important proteins that control body sulphate homeostasis. Sulphate in the body is essential for cell matrix formation and cartilage-bone development and growth. Trafficking defects in these proteins can lead to changes in serum sulphate levels, which results in softening of the bones, insufficient cartilage development, and changes in many metabolic processes. Using techniques of molecular and cellular biology, we aim to identify the precise the mechanisms that control the trafficking of these proteins in cells. This will enable us to determine how these proteins functions in both the normal and diseased states, which is currently unknown.Read moreRead less