The basis of recognition and disposal of dysfunctional proteins by clusterin. When proteins become damaged they can precipitate. A blood protein called clusterin prevents precipitation of damaged proteins. Clusterin does this by forming complexes with the damaged proteins. Clusterin is the first blood protein known to do this. We will discover which parts of clusterin are responsible for this activity. We will also discover whether cells can take up and dispose of the complexes of clusterin and ....The basis of recognition and disposal of dysfunctional proteins by clusterin. When proteins become damaged they can precipitate. A blood protein called clusterin prevents precipitation of damaged proteins. Clusterin does this by forming complexes with the damaged proteins. Clusterin is the first blood protein known to do this. We will discover which parts of clusterin are responsible for this activity. We will also discover whether cells can take up and dispose of the complexes of clusterin and damaged proteins. This work is important because some diseases (eg, Alzheimers disease) involve the toxic effects of abnormal protein precipitation. Understanding how clusterin works may help in developing better treatments for these diseases.Read moreRead less
Novel Mass Spectrometric Approaches to the Study of Protein-Protein Interactions. Protein-protein interactions mediate all fundamental cellular processes, yet the structural complexity of protein assemblies mean they are often difficult to characterise using traditional analytical methods. This project will develop and demonstrate novel mass spectrometric approaches towards a molecular level description of the structure and interactions of biological protein complexes, which in turn may underpi ....Novel Mass Spectrometric Approaches to the Study of Protein-Protein Interactions. Protein-protein interactions mediate all fundamental cellular processes, yet the structural complexity of protein assemblies mean they are often difficult to characterise using traditional analytical methods. This project will develop and demonstrate novel mass spectrometric approaches towards a molecular level description of the structure and interactions of biological protein complexes, which in turn may underpin the rational design of drugs for the treatment of a range of human health conditions. This project will also provide training of young researchers to the highest international standards in mass spectrometry and protein science, for benefit to Australian industry and research.Read moreRead less
Negative ion mass spectrometry: fundamentals and applied applications. 1. We seek to establish negative ion mass spectrometry as a major technological tool for the sequencing of peptides and proteins. In this context, we will investigate the structures and modes of action of peptide complexes which may be of importance for the treatment and control of heart disease and stroke.
2. Negative ions of known structure will be converted (in the mass spectrometer) into transient (and reactive) molecule ....Negative ion mass spectrometry: fundamentals and applied applications. 1. We seek to establish negative ion mass spectrometry as a major technological tool for the sequencing of peptides and proteins. In this context, we will investigate the structures and modes of action of peptide complexes which may be of importance for the treatment and control of heart disease and stroke.
2. Negative ions of known structure will be converted (in the mass spectrometer) into transient (and reactive) molecules which are present in interstellar ice and dust clouds. The structures and chemistry of such molecules are of importance in understanding the origins of life on this planet.Read moreRead less
Negative ion mass spectrometry: fundamental studies and applied applications. We seek to:
(i) establish negative ion mass spectrometry as an analytical tool for the sequencing of proteins and to probe the structures of active peptide Ca2+ calmodulin complexes which, for example, inhibit the formation of NO from nitric oxide synthases. Controlling the concentration of nitric oxide may assist with the treatment of inflammatory and cardiac diseases, stroke and diseases of the central nervous syst ....Negative ion mass spectrometry: fundamental studies and applied applications. We seek to:
(i) establish negative ion mass spectrometry as an analytical tool for the sequencing of proteins and to probe the structures of active peptide Ca2+ calmodulin complexes which, for example, inhibit the formation of NO from nitric oxide synthases. Controlling the concentration of nitric oxide may assist with the treatment of inflammatory and cardiac diseases, stroke and diseases of the central nervous system.
(ii) to study the possibility of the formation of biological molecules of life in interstellar regions
(iii) to train graduate students to international standards in the chemistry of proteomics.Read moreRead less