Peptide Toxins From Animal Venoms Specifically Targeting Voltage-gated Sodium Channels As Novel Analgesics And Pesticides
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
This project aims to understand how certain animal toxins that cause analgesic and pesticidal effects in model animals interact with biological ion channels in atomistic detail using computational techniques. By understanding the detailed molecular interactions involved in the binding of the toxins to channels, toxin variants with improved potency and specificity may be designed as promising templates for novel analgesics and pesticides.
Lipid Rafts, Amyloid Neurotoxicity And Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,267.00
Summary
Alzheimer's disease is the major cause of dementia in the elderly. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease exhibit a slow decline in cognition which usually results in prolonged institutionalisation. This creates an enormous burden on society. The project aims to identify mechanisms which cause Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, it will examine how a component of the brain, known as the amyloid protein, contributes to nerve cell degeneration. It is hoped that by identifying these mechanisms, new ta ....Alzheimer's disease is the major cause of dementia in the elderly. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease exhibit a slow decline in cognition which usually results in prolonged institutionalisation. This creates an enormous burden on society. The project aims to identify mechanisms which cause Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, it will examine how a component of the brain, known as the amyloid protein, contributes to nerve cell degeneration. It is hoped that by identifying these mechanisms, new targets for drug development will be found.Read moreRead less
Dysferlinopathy: A Genetic Disease Sheds Light On Membrane Repair For Muscle And Cardiac Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,806.00
Summary
Muscles are damaged all of the time, as we stretch and contract them, but we don't fully understand how they repair themselves. We are studying the molecular steps taken by a muscle cell to repair membrane damage. Our research will provide valuable insights into how to treat muscular dystrophy and other conditions characterised by membrane damage to cells, such as heart attack and stroke.
Dysferlin Coordinates Membrane Repair For Skeletal And Cardiac Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,270.00
Summary
Muscles are damaged all of the time, as we stretch and contract them, but we don't fully understand how they repair themselves. We are studying the molecular steps taken by a muscle cell to repair membrane damage. Our research will provide valuable insights into how to treat muscular dystrophy and other conditions characterised by membrane damage to cells, such as heart attack and stroke.