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.
The Role Of Membrane Condensation In T Lymphocyte Activation And Signal Transduction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,421.00
Summary
T cell lymphocytes are essential cells in our immune system. They respond to signals from foreign bodies to mount an immune response. Many diseases arise from errors in their activation processes. The key steps in the translation of the initial arrival of a foreign-body to a T cell into an immune response will be examined in these studies, where we will look at the cooperation of components of the cell membrane during T cell activation. This will help us to understand and treat immune disorders.