Molecular structure and function of the glycine receptor. This proposal will employ a cutting edge approach to reveal fundamental new insights into the ways that ligand-gated ion channels, and proteins in general, work. The new knowledge and technology developed here will broaden and strengthen Australia's research expertise across a number of basic scientific disciplines. The results will also have relevance to human health. Glycine receptors have an essential role in brain function and are ....Molecular structure and function of the glycine receptor. This proposal will employ a cutting edge approach to reveal fundamental new insights into the ways that ligand-gated ion channels, and proteins in general, work. The new knowledge and technology developed here will broaden and strengthen Australia's research expertise across a number of basic scientific disciplines. The results will also have relevance to human health. Glycine receptors have an essential role in brain function and are targets for anaesthetics and drugs of abuse. GlyRs are also important in modulating pain sensation by the brain. New insights into how natural agonists and drugs affect ion channel structure and function may lead to novel therapeutic opportunities and improved drug structure predictions.Read moreRead less
Three-dimensional structures, substrate specificities and catalytic mechanisms of polysaccharide synthases. Plant wall polysaccharides are extensively used for food and fibre, and are important dietary components in human nutrition. A precise knowledge of mechanisms used by plants to synthesize these polysaccharides is unavailable, but would reveal potential routes to manipulate their biosynthesis in important crop species. For example, the levels or structures of polysaccharides might be modif ....Three-dimensional structures, substrate specificities and catalytic mechanisms of polysaccharide synthases. Plant wall polysaccharides are extensively used for food and fibre, and are important dietary components in human nutrition. A precise knowledge of mechanisms used by plants to synthesize these polysaccharides is unavailable, but would reveal potential routes to manipulate their biosynthesis in important crop species. For example, the levels or structures of polysaccharides might be modified to improve their efficacy as anti-cancer agents in human diets, to enhance digestibility of animal stock feeds, or to synthesise pharmologically valuable compounds. Thus, economic, social and environmental benefits will flow to both producers and consumers. Read moreRead less