Conductance states of a brain glutamine transporter. Brain transporters are the target for many neuroactive drugs that are used to treat anxiety, depression and other psychotic disorders. Transport processes are also targeted to deliver neurotransmitter precursors to the brain to treat disorders such as Parkinson's disease. In this project we will study a transport process crucial for the function of neurons that release glutamate and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) as neurotransmitters. The stud ....Conductance states of a brain glutamine transporter. Brain transporters are the target for many neuroactive drugs that are used to treat anxiety, depression and other psychotic disorders. Transport processes are also targeted to deliver neurotransmitter precursors to the brain to treat disorders such as Parkinson's disease. In this project we will study a transport process crucial for the function of neurons that release glutamate and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) as neurotransmitters. The study of this transport process will be important for understanding disorders like epilepsy and other disorders affecting neuronal excitability.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0453630
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$274,692.00
Summary
High-Speed Confocal Microscope Live Cell Recording System. The high-speed confocal microscope live cell recording system we are establishing represents new generation equipment. It allows quality imaging of selected subcellular regions of live cells combined with simultaneous electrophysiological recording at rates and sensitivity hitherto not possible. This equipment provides a window of opportunity for major research advances in that it allows real-time two and three-dimensional imaging of fun ....High-Speed Confocal Microscope Live Cell Recording System. The high-speed confocal microscope live cell recording system we are establishing represents new generation equipment. It allows quality imaging of selected subcellular regions of live cells combined with simultaneous electrophysiological recording at rates and sensitivity hitherto not possible. This equipment provides a window of opportunity for major research advances in that it allows real-time two and three-dimensional imaging of fundamental cellular activities that previously could not be viewed. It will allow major advances in priority health-related research and will provide an ideal research tool to introduce young scientists and students to cutting edge research.Read moreRead less
Hierarchical modeling of protein interactions. Protein interactions play a central role in function and structural organization of cells. Their elucidation is essential for a better understanding of many cellular processes from signal transduction to enzyme inhibition. The aim of this project is to utilize the unprecedented powers of current supercomputers in developing a hierarchical model of protein interactions. The method combines Brownian dynamics at large distances and long time scales ....Hierarchical modeling of protein interactions. Protein interactions play a central role in function and structural organization of cells. Their elucidation is essential for a better understanding of many cellular processes from signal transduction to enzyme inhibition. The aim of this project is to utilize the unprecedented powers of current supercomputers in developing a hierarchical model of protein interactions. The method combines Brownian dynamics at large distances and long time scales with molecular dynamics at small distances and shorter times. Applications to both membrane proteins (blocking of ion channels by toxins and drugs) and globular proteins (ligand binding to receptors and protein association) will be considered.Read moreRead less
Theoretical Studies on the KcsA Potassium Channel and the L-type Calcium Channel. All electrical activities in the brain are regulated by opening and closing of ion channels. Thus, understanding their mechanisms is a fundamental problem in biology. The project is aimed at developing a theoretical model of two important types of ion channels. Using a supercomputer, we will first deduce the shape of the microstructure formed by a protein wall. Then, using a computer simulation technique, we will c ....Theoretical Studies on the KcsA Potassium Channel and the L-type Calcium Channel. All electrical activities in the brain are regulated by opening and closing of ion channels. Thus, understanding their mechanisms is a fundamental problem in biology. The project is aimed at developing a theoretical model of two important types of ion channels. Using a supercomputer, we will first deduce the shape of the microstructure formed by a protein wall. Then, using a computer simulation technique, we will construct a set of physical models of biological ion channels, which will correctly replicate experimental observations. Such a theory will link the structure and function of an ion channel through the fundamental principles of physics.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0882701
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$300,000.00
Summary
Establishment of a confocal/multiphoton microscope for imaging of living systems. This facility will allow us to study the dynamic changes in living systems, from the smallest unicellular organisms in the ocean through to the sophisticated neural networks of the living brain. Not only will this imaging facility allow us to understand how living systems work, we will also be able to explore the dynamic changes that underlie human disease and injury.