Computational And Structural Studies Of Protein-GPCR Interactions Underlying HIV Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
While it is known that HIV entry and disease progression relies upon the interaction of a number of distinct proteins, the precise nature of these interactions remains unclear. The purpose of this fellowship is apply computational and experimental techniques to stabilise members of the protein complex so that we can understand their structure.
The Contribution Of Subunit Interfaces To Receptor Activation In Ligand Gated Ion Channels
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$309,070.00
Summary
This project seeks to provide insights into new mechanisms that could be used to enhance or inhibit neuronal signalling. The family of pentameric neurotransmitter receptors that are key components in the process of neuronal signalling and are the target of this study. It will investigate the molecular motions that occur when the receptor shifts from the resting state to the activated state in the presence of neurotransmitter. This critical to understanding the normal function of these receptors ....This project seeks to provide insights into new mechanisms that could be used to enhance or inhibit neuronal signalling. The family of pentameric neurotransmitter receptors that are key components in the process of neuronal signalling and are the target of this study. It will investigate the molecular motions that occur when the receptor shifts from the resting state to the activated state in the presence of neurotransmitter. This critical to understanding the normal function of these receptors in the brain and how they can be modulated.Read moreRead less
Venoms To Drugs: Characterizing The Molecular Interactions Between Venom Peptides And Ion Channels With A View To Rational Drug Design
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
The conventional approach to drug development is reaching a state of crisis as it is producing fewer new drugs at increasing cost. A promising alternative is to harness the rich and diverse chemistry of venom peptides. This project aims to understand the mechanism by which venom peptides achieve their pharmacological activity. This knowledge is essential for venom-based drug design for treating diseases ranging from nervous systems disorders, stroke, chronic pain and psychiatric illnesses.
An Integrative Structural Biology Approach To Understanding The SAGA Transcriptional Master Regulator Implicated In Cancer And Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Stringent control of gene expression ensures the harmonious life of all human cells. Loss of this control leads to development of a chaotic genome, characteristic of diseased states such as cancer. In this proposal, we aim at capturing and understanding the first key steps of the mechanism that, if dysfunctional, leads to aberrant gene expression. We will use cutting-edge structural bio-imaging to answer questions of fundamental importance to human health and pathologies.
How Do Anaesthetics Work? A Rational Basis For Safer General Anaesthesia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$592,008.00
Summary
General anaesthetics are a mainstay of modern medicine, but have a small safety margin, requiring skilled anaesthetists for their safe use. There is growing evidence that general anaesthetic exposure may have long-term effects on brain function in both newborns and the elderly. This project will provide a detailed molecular description of anaesthetic action and specificity. It will provide the basis for designing new anaesthetics that are safer, both immediately and for long-term brain function.
Most individuals infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) develop progressive liver disease. A vaccine is urgently needed, and needs to mimic the immune responses seen in the minority of individuals who clear infection. However, there are large gaps in our understanding of these responses as most acute infections cause no illness and pass unnoticed. This project will fill these gaps by detailed immunological and virological analysis of a large group of subjects with early infection.
A New Paradigm For Class I Cytokine Receptor Activation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$954,946.00
Summary
Class I cytokine receptors include around 30 receptors with diverse functions such as controlling metabolism and inflammation. Cytokine receptors are molecular switches on cells that receive signals from other cells and transmit this signal into the cell’s nucleus to control the regulation of genes. This project will determine the molecular mechanisms involved in class I cytokine receptors and use this knowledge to develop novel ways to modulate these receptors for clinical applications.