Uncovering the molecular mechanisms of potassium channel activity. The aim of this project is to determine the mechanisms of protein-mediated potassium ion transport across cell membranes. It will combine advanced simulations, structural biology and electrophysiology to describe the detailed molecular processes underscoring calcium-activated potassium channel conduction, gating and inactivation. The expected outcome is an improved description of how ion channels recognise and respond to physiolo ....Uncovering the molecular mechanisms of potassium channel activity. The aim of this project is to determine the mechanisms of protein-mediated potassium ion transport across cell membranes. It will combine advanced simulations, structural biology and electrophysiology to describe the detailed molecular processes underscoring calcium-activated potassium channel conduction, gating and inactivation. The expected outcome is an improved description of how ion channels recognise and respond to physiological stimuli to control electrical signalling the body. Our results will provide benefits in the form of basic understanding relevant to ion transport phenomena in biological systems, and atomic-level views of nervous system function to guide future directions in pharmacology.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE180100066
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,311.00
Summary
Electrophysiology facility for cell phenotyping and drug discovery. This project aims to establish a high-throughput, automated patch clamp facility to enable research at the forefront of cell phenotyping and drug discovery. Ion channels are membrane proteins that underlie cell function and are therefore important drug targets. The patch clamp technique is the most powerful tool available to functionally characterise cells and study the function of ion channels. The significant advance provided ....Electrophysiology facility for cell phenotyping and drug discovery. This project aims to establish a high-throughput, automated patch clamp facility to enable research at the forefront of cell phenotyping and drug discovery. Ion channels are membrane proteins that underlie cell function and are therefore important drug targets. The patch clamp technique is the most powerful tool available to functionally characterise cells and study the function of ion channels. The significant advance provided by the high-throughput, automated patch clamp system is that it allows up to 384 cells to be recorded simultaneously. This project expects to enhance capacity to automate and standardise the quality of recordings, substantially increase the rate of data production, and enable greater access to patch clamp technology.Read moreRead less
Characterisation of plant cysteine proteases with therapeutic potential. This project aims to uncover how plant enzymes have effects on the immune system. This will allow the development of these enzymes as therapeutic agents for cancer and autoimmune conditions.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100036
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,000.00
Summary
A protein molecular interaction and localization facility. This proposal will address a major gap in our mass spectrometry capabilities and aid in our understanding of protein interactions and tissue distribution in areas such as neuroscience, microbiology, immunology, and botany, as well as enhance our understanding of fundamental gas phase chemistry of protein molecules. It brings together a highly successful multidisciplinary team of high-profile researchers with a track record of collaborati ....A protein molecular interaction and localization facility. This proposal will address a major gap in our mass spectrometry capabilities and aid in our understanding of protein interactions and tissue distribution in areas such as neuroscience, microbiology, immunology, and botany, as well as enhance our understanding of fundamental gas phase chemistry of protein molecules. It brings together a highly successful multidisciplinary team of high-profile researchers with a track record of collaboration and delivering outcomes from shared facilities. In addition to these key scientific outcomes this project will also facilitate the training of several new personnel in a skill area for which there is a critical shortage (mass spectrometry) and promote true cross-disciplinary skills.Read moreRead less
Understanding the role of methionine oxidation in amyloid formation. Amyloid deposition is associated with many debilitating systemic and neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. This project aims to understand the effect of protein oxidation on the process of amyloid fibril formation. This knowledge will assist in the discovery of the triggers of these disorders and may identify methods of combating them.
Investigating the intercellular trafficking of proteins and RNA and its relevance to neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer's and prion diseases are neurodegenerative disorders associated with protein misfolding. This project brings together similar features of these diseases using novel cell- and animal-based studies to develop a greater understanding of the molecular basis of these disorders.
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354892
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$40,000.00
Summary
The Australian Protease Network. Proteases are pivotal enzymes during birth, life, ageing and death of all organisms. Proteases regulate most physiological processes by controlling protein activation, synthesis and turnover and are essential for replication and spread of viruses, bacteria and parasites that cause infectious diseases. Blockbuster drugs and diagnostics already target a few proteases. Australians have made innovative contributions individually to understanding and regulating these ....The Australian Protease Network. Proteases are pivotal enzymes during birth, life, ageing and death of all organisms. Proteases regulate most physiological processes by controlling protein activation, synthesis and turnover and are essential for replication and spread of viruses, bacteria and parasites that cause infectious diseases. Blockbuster drugs and diagnostics already target a few proteases. Australians have made innovative contributions individually to understanding and regulating these enzymes. However this initiative aims to network their efforts by value-adding to the current protease research through promoting national and international collaborations to improve our understanding of biology, and encourage exploitation of proteases/inhibitors/receptors for pharmaceutical and industrial applications.Read moreRead less
Discovery of novel myokines by innovative proteomic analyses. This project will utilise sophisticated techniques to identify novel proteins that are released from contracting skeletal muscle termed myokines. It is expected the project will identify numerous novel proteins that may enhance our understanding of human biology.
Host-pathogen interactions: the role of mimicry. The proposed research program, using a combination of structure and functional analysis will provide insight into the mechanism of nucleotide hydrolysis by the enzymes NTPDases. This study will not only improve our fundamental understanding of NTPDase action but could lead to the rational design of antimicrobials.
Structural and functional characterisation of compounds that inhibit the malarial aminopeptidases. Malaria is the world's most prevalent parasitic disease. Due to the rapid spread of drug resistant parasites there is a need to develop new antimalarial drugs. In this proposal we will characterise new targets and novel methods of inhibition that will form the basis of a new mechanism for antimalarial drugs.