The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) invites you to participate in a short survey about your
interaction with the ARDC and use of our national research infrastructure and services. The survey will take
approximately 5 minutes and is anonymous. It’s open to anyone who uses our digital research infrastructure
services including Reasearch Link Australia.
We will use the information you provide to improve the national research infrastructure and services we
deliver and to report on user satisfaction to the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research
Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) program.
Please take a few minutes to provide your input. The survey closes COB Friday 29 May 2026.
Complete the 5 min survey now by clicking on the link below.
Role Of Calcium Channels And Small-conductance Potassium Channels In Myenteric Neurons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$131,717.00
Summary
This proposal will investigate the electrical properties of neurons in the wall of the intestine that control movements of the bowel. These neurons form an extensive network that runs the length of the gastrointestinal tract and control mixing and propulsion of food along the intestine. We will determine the basic electrical properties of these neurons and investigate why some of them transmit signals in a continuous manner while others transmit signals intermittently and how these patterns of a ....This proposal will investigate the electrical properties of neurons in the wall of the intestine that control movements of the bowel. These neurons form an extensive network that runs the length of the gastrointestinal tract and control mixing and propulsion of food along the intestine. We will determine the basic electrical properties of these neurons and investigate why some of them transmit signals in a continuous manner while others transmit signals intermittently and how these patterns of activity fit into the overall activity of the gut. This study will build on a large body of data obtained from our laboratory that has shown that some of these neurons act as sensors of the presence-absence of food in the intestine while others send signals to the muscle in the wall of the intestine to either relax or contract it so that the food can be processed properly. By knowing what makes these neurons different from each other we will be able to understand what goes wrong in functional bowel disorders where motility is affected, resulting in pain and discomfort.Read moreRead less
Theoretical Investigations Into Permeation Dynamics In Calcium- And Potassium-Selective Membrane Ion Channels
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$517,243.00
Summary
All electrical activities in the brain are regulated by opening and closing of ion channels. Thus, understanding their mechanisms at a molecular level is a fundamental problem in biology. There are many different types of ion channels, each type fulfilling a different role. We now know the exact atomic structures of several types of the proteins forming ion channels. Using this newly unveiled information, we propose to build exact physical models of two important classes of ion channels, namely, ....All electrical activities in the brain are regulated by opening and closing of ion channels. Thus, understanding their mechanisms at a molecular level is a fundamental problem in biology. There are many different types of ion channels, each type fulfilling a different role. We now know the exact atomic structures of several types of the proteins forming ion channels. Using this newly unveiled information, we propose to build exact physical models of two important classes of ion channels, namely, the calcium channels and potassium channels, using the technique known as 'homology' modelling. Then, making use of powerful supercomputers and the special computer programs we have devised, we propose to follow the motion of ions as they move through the channel and study how some chemical compounds or drugs interfere with the normal functioning of the channel. Specifically, we will attempt to understand how verapamil, which is used to treat irregular heart beats and high blood pressure, interact with the calcium channel. Once we fully understand how these channels work, we will be able to understand the causes of, and possibly find the cures for, many neurological and muscular disorders, such as cardiac arhythmia and hypertension.Read moreRead less
Calcium acts as a signal to control cell processes important in cancer. The entry of calcium into the cell is regulated by calcium channels and we have found some channels are over-expressed in breast cancer. Altering the expression and activity of these calcium channels is a possible therapeutic approach for cancer. We will determine the reasons and consequences of alterations of calcium channels in breast cancer and whether they are viable anti-cancer therapies and biomarkers.
Repair Of The Nigrostriatal Pathway By Phenotype Shift Of Dopamine Neurones
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$561,558.00
Summary
Repairing the injured brain will depend on developing new cells that can form the correct cell type, make the right connections and be incorporated into normal brain circuitry. We have found that dopamine cells, which are lost in Parkinson's Disease, are being renewed in the adult rodent brain. This study is directed at finding factors that control this process and to exploit these factors therapeutically. We provide evidence that this can be used to treat Parkinson's Disease.