The cells that produce and maintain our cartilage, known as chondrocytes, do so by sensing changes in the mechanical environment, but precisely how chondrocytes detect these changes is not known. We are investigating the role of ion channels that are opened in direct response to mechanical movements within the cartilage.This project plans to identify the specific molecules that are participating in this process and to determine if they are therapeutic targets for treatment of osteoarthritis
P2X7 Receptor And Inflammation In The Pathophysiology Of Mood Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,063.00
Summary
Mood disorders are chronic disabling mental illnesses affecting a significant proportion of the population. Inherited variations in a particular gene involved in inflammation will be investigated in individuals with mood disorders. This work aims to understand the relationship between inflammation of parts of the brain and mood disorders leading to the potential development of a new therapeutic target.