Structural Studies On Human Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,902.00
Summary
Mental health problems are a global issue and are subject to ongoing medical research. We study glutamic acid decarboxylase, a key enzyme responsible for the synthesis of a prominent and abundant neurotransmitter called GABA. GABA is crucial in controlling neuronal responses and facilitating new interconnections between neurones. Lacking GABA is related to epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and post-traumatic stress. Our study is important for development of new ways to improve the supply of GABA in ....Mental health problems are a global issue and are subject to ongoing medical research. We study glutamic acid decarboxylase, a key enzyme responsible for the synthesis of a prominent and abundant neurotransmitter called GABA. GABA is crucial in controlling neuronal responses and facilitating new interconnections between neurones. Lacking GABA is related to epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and post-traumatic stress. Our study is important for development of new ways to improve the supply of GABA in the brain.Read moreRead less
Role Of Hsp40 And Hsp70 In Huntingtin Misfolding, Oligomerization And Inclusion Assembly
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$590,103.00
Summary
Huntington disease results from a mutation that causes the Htt protein to become abnormally sticky and form toxic clusters in neurons. Cells have natural defences to clustering with proteins called chaperones, which are exciting therapeutic targets. This project will examine how chaperones defend against toxic Htt clustering with cutting-edge imaging technologies. The knowledge gained will aid in designing therapeutic strategies that stimulate the defence processes and suppress the clusters.
Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases involve the formation of protein aggregates, termed amyloid. The formation of amyloid leads to cell death and neurodegeneration. The most important cellular events perturbed by the formation of amyloid aggregates are unclear. Recent evidence suggests that sterols (including cholesterol) have an important role in cellular toxicity. This study will examine the molecular basis for this, enhancing our understanding of the amyloid diseases and could ....Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases involve the formation of protein aggregates, termed amyloid. The formation of amyloid leads to cell death and neurodegeneration. The most important cellular events perturbed by the formation of amyloid aggregates are unclear. Recent evidence suggests that sterols (including cholesterol) have an important role in cellular toxicity. This study will examine the molecular basis for this, enhancing our understanding of the amyloid diseases and could suggest novel therapeutic avenues.Read moreRead less
Generating An Effective Vaccine Response Against The Intrinsically Unstructured Malaria Antigen Merozoite Surface Protein 2
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$678,774.00
Summary
The malaria surface protein MSP2 is a promising candidate for inclusion in a malaria vaccine, having shown evidence of protection in phase IIb studies. Our goals are to identify the structural basis for the differential induction of human immune responses to native and recombinant MSP2 and to utilise this information to generate an MSP2 vaccine able to evoke a more effective anti-malarial response.
Understanding Age-related Protein Aggregation. The Mechanism Of Cataract And Its Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$709,333.00
Summary
Cataract arises from clouding of the eye lens due to the aggregation of crystallin proteins whose high concentration and close packing facilitate lens transparency. This proposal will investigate crystallin structure and interactions to understand the reasons for cataract formation and its prevention via the design of aggregation inhibitors. The results will facilitate the development of drugs to prevent cataract and other related protein aggregation diseases, e.g. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.