Identification And Characterisation Of Novel Copper Homeostasis Genes And Proteins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$70,307.00
Summary
Copper is an essential nutrient that is also toxic when in excess. Specific mechanisms exist to regulate copper levels and these are conserved across many species. Disrupted copper regulation contributes to many diseases including: cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s. I aim to identify and characterise novel copper regulatory proteins using the model organism Drosophila (vinegar fly) together with human cultured cells as a foundation for work to prevent or treat these diseases.
The Role Of Presenilin In Metal Homeostasis And Alzheimers Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,335.00
Summary
Presenilin, a protein involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), may regulate copper and zinc levels. Copper and zinc are essential nutrients however a deficiency or excess can cause disease. Promising metal-altering AD drugs, are in various stages of clinical trial. I aim to characterize the interaction of Presenilin and metals using both mouse and cultured human cell models that are deficient in Presenilin. Understanding this interaction should lead to better drug design and treatment of AD.