Anthracyclines Disrupt Ca2+ Signalling In Cardiomyocytes: A Contribution To Cardiac Toxicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$525,620.00
Summary
Anthracyclines are one of the most effective drugs used in chemotherapy, but cause side effects resulting in serious heart problems which can be fatal. The link between anthracycline therapy and the problems they cause in the heart is not fully defined. We will investigate mechanisms leading to these side effects and define specific targets of anthracyclines in the heart. It is hoped this will lead to the design of new drugs which counteract the side effects of anthracycline treatment.
Identification Of Cardiac Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Targets For Cardiotoxic Drugs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$265,986.00
Summary
Anthracyclines are drugs which are used successfully in chemotherapy. Unfortunately, these drugs can lead to serious heart problems which sometimes result in death, and the mechanisms behind this remain elusive. Finding the specific targets of these drugs and how these drugs affect heart contraction may lead to designing drug cocktails which protect the heart from side effects.
Intracellular Calcium Signalling And Liver Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$295,357.00
Summary
The liver is responsible for regulating the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, the synthesis of proteins which transport fats around the body, the synthesis of bile required for fat digestion, and for the removal of toxic chemicals from the body. Many of these processes are controlled by hormones such as adrenaline and insulin. The actions of these and other hormones on the liver involves changes in the concentration of calcium in liver cells. In a number of diseases such as diabetes, fat mal ....The liver is responsible for regulating the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, the synthesis of proteins which transport fats around the body, the synthesis of bile required for fat digestion, and for the removal of toxic chemicals from the body. Many of these processes are controlled by hormones such as adrenaline and insulin. The actions of these and other hormones on the liver involves changes in the concentration of calcium in liver cells. In a number of diseases such as diabetes, fat malabsorption, and liver failure, the balance and regulation of calcium in liver cells is abnormal. The aims of the present experiments are to investigate the mechanisms by which hormones regulate the flow of calcium into liver cells. The experiments will involve the measurement of calcium in different regions of liver cells using fluorescent dyes and high resolution microscopy, and the identification of structural proteins and organelles within the liver cell which are required to control calcium inflow. The results should show how an important type of calcium channel in liver cells works and is controlled. This knowledge will allow better treatment of diabetes, fat malabsorption and liver failure. The knowledge should also lead to improvements in liver transplant operations.Read moreRead less
Dysferlinopathy: A Genetic Disease Sheds Light On Membrane Repair For Muscle And Cardiac Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,806.00
Summary
Muscles are damaged all of the time, as we stretch and contract them, but we don't fully understand how they repair themselves. We are studying the molecular steps taken by a muscle cell to repair membrane damage. Our research will provide valuable insights into how to treat muscular dystrophy and other conditions characterised by membrane damage to cells, such as heart attack and stroke.
Dysferlin Coordinates Membrane Repair For Skeletal And Cardiac Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,270.00
Summary
Muscles are damaged all of the time, as we stretch and contract them, but we don't fully understand how they repair themselves. We are studying the molecular steps taken by a muscle cell to repair membrane damage. Our research will provide valuable insights into how to treat muscular dystrophy and other conditions characterised by membrane damage to cells, such as heart attack and stroke.