Membrane Attachment And Components Of The Ca2+ -triggered Release Mechanism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$386,498.00
Summary
Understanding and harnessing the fundamental cellular process of secretion will provide a wealth of new approaches to addressing problems associated with aging & disorders that are major health care burdens (e.g. neurodegeneration & diabetes). Understanding the vesicle docked state, and the contributions of different molecular components to the release process provides for unique insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms, thereby enabling safe, targeted control of this critical process.
The Molecular Basis For Manganese Uptake By Pathogenic Bacteria.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$632,949.00
Summary
Bacterial antimicrobial resistance is an increasing threat to human health. At this point in time, there is an urgent, fundamental need for the development of new antimicrobial strategies. Bacterial infection involves a constant tug-of-war between the pathogen and the human host for the essential nutrients of life, including trace metal nutrients such as Mn. This project seeks to understand the machinery for Mn uptake by pathogenic bacteria as a target for novel antibacterial design.
A Signalling Endosomal Network In T Cell Activation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,016.00
Summary
T lymphocytes play a central role in the adaptive immune response, which specifically targets pathogens and cancer cells and creates the immunological memory. Activation of sometimes as little as one single receptor on a T cell triggers a cellular signal that rapidly expands and branches out in a multitude of sub-signals. Here we will use a combination of novel microscopy approaches to visualise how a network of dedicated intracellular compartments is in charge of these processes.
Identification And Characterization Of Novel Proteins In Endosomal Cholesterol Transport
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,636.00
Summary
Abnormal subcellular distribution of cholesterol is associated with a number of common diseases including heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. The overall aim of this proposal is to identify and characterize novel molecules that regulate the transport of intracellular cholesterol. Results from the proposed studies will provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms governing intracellular cholesterol transport and distribution, and will lead to better treatment strategies against hea ....Abnormal subcellular distribution of cholesterol is associated with a number of common diseases including heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. The overall aim of this proposal is to identify and characterize novel molecules that regulate the transport of intracellular cholesterol. Results from the proposed studies will provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms governing intracellular cholesterol transport and distribution, and will lead to better treatment strategies against heart disease and dementia.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Role Of The Putative Phospholipid Translocase ATP11c In B Cell Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,153.00
Summary
The immune system protects humans against recurrent infections with a wide range of pathogens. Formation of antibodies is a crucial element of the immune response. Defects in the production of antibodies can lead to recurrent and often life-threatening infections. This project seeks to understand a genetic defect in mice resulting in an almost complete absence of antibody producing cells, thereby causing a disease that is similar to some forms of human immunodeficiency.
Molecular Characterisation Of Transverse Tubule Development In Skeletal Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$951,321.00
Summary
Muscle fibres contain an elaborate system of membranes that allow the fibre to contract. This proposal aims to understand how this membrane system develops and how this process is disrupted in disease.
Membrane Trafficking Of BACE1 And Amyloid Precursor Protein In Primary Neurons And The Production Of Abeta Amyloid Peptides
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$705,984.00
Summary
The development of Alzheimer’s disease results from the generation of toxic peptides by the cleavage of a membrane protein by an enzyme called BACE. A key feature of which regulates the generation of toxic peptides involves the movement of BACE between compartments in the cell by a process known as membrane transport. Our recent work has identified the itinerary of BACE in the cell. The studies here will reveal the molecular machinery of the BACE pathway in neurons. This fundamental informati
STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND REGULATION OF F-TYPE ATP SYNTHASES
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,660.00
Summary
ATP synthase is the molecular machinery that converts energy derived from nutrients or photosynthesis into the universal biological energy carrier ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This is one of the most fundamental processes of life and is conserved from bacteria to plants to humans. Understanding how bacterial and mitochondrial ATP synthases work in molecular detail will have wide-ranging implications for both medicine (in understanding metabolic disorders, controlled cell death and aging) and th ....ATP synthase is the molecular machinery that converts energy derived from nutrients or photosynthesis into the universal biological energy carrier ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This is one of the most fundamental processes of life and is conserved from bacteria to plants to humans. Understanding how bacterial and mitochondrial ATP synthases work in molecular detail will have wide-ranging implications for both medicine (in understanding metabolic disorders, controlled cell death and aging) and the design of new antibacterial agents.Read moreRead less
Membrane Trafficking Of The ?-secretase, BACE1, And The Generation Of Alzheimer's Disease A? Amyloid Peptides
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$465,704.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease results from the production of toxic neuropeptides by the action of an enzyme called BACE. The generation of toxic peptides requires the movement or trafficking of BACE between different cell compartments. This research will reveal the molecular machinery of the BACE transport pathway. This new knowledge will provide a strategy to develop drugs to inhibit BACE activity and the production of the toxic peptide, which would be of significant benefit to patients and families.
How Lipids Affect Signalling Efficiencies In T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$472,882.00
Summary
A high fat diet can compromise the function our immune system. This project examines how lipids affect T cells. We propose that T cells from mice on a high fat diet can no longer respond to an immune challenge because the signalling processes that lead to activation are deregulated. We have established a new microscopy technique that allows us to measure the efficiency of signalling processes. We will use this method to identify which lipids contribute the most to T cell deregulation.