Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100239
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,000.00
Summary
The molecular basis of endothelial mechanotransduction through TRPV4. This project aims to understand how blood flow dynamics coordinate the plasma membrane localisation and interaction of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a candidate mechanosensitive ion channel broadly expressed in endothelium with physiological and pathological roles in the cardiovascular system, with other mechanoreceptors and the physiological relevance of these events. Blood flow haemodynamics affect ca ....The molecular basis of endothelial mechanotransduction through TRPV4. This project aims to understand how blood flow dynamics coordinate the plasma membrane localisation and interaction of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a candidate mechanosensitive ion channel broadly expressed in endothelium with physiological and pathological roles in the cardiovascular system, with other mechanoreceptors and the physiological relevance of these events. Blood flow haemodynamics affect cardiovascular health and morphogenesis. This project will highlight the role of TRPV4 channels in the short- and long-term adaptive responses to shear stress and will also have significant potential for application in future drug discovery.Read moreRead less
How cell shape regulators control cell competition in tissue development. This project aims to determine how cell shape (polarity) regulators affect cell survival in an epithelial tissue. When mutation or wounding perturb cell shape regulators in a tissue cell, signalling pathways are altered that kill the aberrant cells. A surveillance mechanism termed "cell competition" is important to remove the damaged cells. This project will investigate a potential regulator of cell competition, the tyrosi ....How cell shape regulators control cell competition in tissue development. This project aims to determine how cell shape (polarity) regulators affect cell survival in an epithelial tissue. When mutation or wounding perturb cell shape regulators in a tissue cell, signalling pathways are altered that kill the aberrant cells. A surveillance mechanism termed "cell competition" is important to remove the damaged cells. This project will investigate a potential regulator of cell competition, the tyrosine phosphatase PTP61F, in response to perturbation of cell shape regulators, using the vinegar fly, Drosophila, and mammalian systems. This study is expected to reveal biomarkers that can be used to improve organismal fitness to increase productivity or to decrease it for pest control.Read moreRead less
The role of a novel protein, interferon epsilon, in reproductive tract immunity. This project aims to develop a world-first description of a new protein that has a protective role against female reproductive tract infections. This unique protein, called interferon epsilon, was discovered in our laboratory. This project will facilitate development of new therapeutic approaches of benefit in diseases such as Chlamydia and Herpes Simplex Virus.
The discovery and characterisation of novel protein regulators of blood cell formation. All of the mature blood cells in the human body are derived from a common ancestor cell type known as a stem cell. Our proposed studies will enhance our knowledge of how functional, mature blood cells are formed from stem cells and how dysregulation of these normally tightly controlled pathways can give rise to severe blood diseases.