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Multiscale Analysis Of Plasma Membrane Microdomains In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,413.00
Summary
The cell surface encloses the cell in a protective barrier but it must also respond to signals coming from outside the cell. To accomplish this, the cell surface is made up of numerous regions each with a specialised role. This proposal aims to examine how lipids and proteins work together to make these specialised regions and aims to understand what goes wrong in diseases such as muscular dystrophy.
This research program aims to gain a detailed understanding of the organisation of the cell surface at the molecular level. The cell surface is organised into domains with distinct functions. Visualisation of these domains, identifying their important components, and understanding how they form and function will have huge importance for therapeutic strategies aimed at combatting the changes associated with cell transformation in cancer and in other human diseases such as muscular dystrophy.
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.
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
Prof Parton is a cell biologist studying how the plasma membrane functions in health and in disease. These studies have provided new insights into potential vehicles that can be used to introduce therapeutic agents into cells.
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
A Targeted Nutrient-depletion Approach To Tackle Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Prostate cancer is the most prevalent male specific cancer, and has a similar incidence to breast cancer in women. We are studying the role of protein pumps that control the amount of nutrients taken into and out of cancer cells. We are aiming to structurally determine LAT1 and LAT3, two nutrient pumps important for cancer progression, and to use these structures as a platform for drug design where the intention is to drugs 'starve’ the cancer by restricting nutrient uptake.
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.
Development Of Membrane Protein Structural Biology In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,484.00
Summary
Membrane proteins are key components of all living organisms, constituting more than 30% of cellular proteins and representing more than 50% of all drug targets. Despite their medical importance our knowledge of membrane proteins is still extremely limited and requires further technological advances. This work will firmly establish membrane protein crystallography in Australia and provide a basis for training of new researchers in this important field.