The role of mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels in magnetoreception. The magnetic field of the Earth has for long been known to influence the behaviour and orientation of a variety of organisms. Experimental study of the magnetic sense has however, been impaired by the lack of a plausible cellular and/or molecular mechanism providing meaningful explanation for detection of magnetic fields by living organisms. Recently, mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels have been implied to play a role in magneto ....The role of mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels in magnetoreception. The magnetic field of the Earth has for long been known to influence the behaviour and orientation of a variety of organisms. Experimental study of the magnetic sense has however, been impaired by the lack of a plausible cellular and/or molecular mechanism providing meaningful explanation for detection of magnetic fields by living organisms. Recently, mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels have been implied to play a role in magnetoreception. Based on our preliminary investigations, which suggest that the activity of bacterial MS channels may be affected by magnetic fields, we propose to study effects of magnetic fields on MS ion channels in Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum. The project promises also to contribute towards better understanding of adverse effects of electromagnetic radiation on human health and towards understanding the mechanisms behind remote magnetic-nanoparticle mediated activation of MS ion channels.Read moreRead less
Protein modifications in plant mitochondria: towards functional proteomics. Energy production within plants in cellular structures called mitochondria is vital for their growth and development and is central to the early success of germinating and growing seedlings. This project intends to analyse mitochondria within plants using state of the art instrumentation and technologies. The findings from this research have the potential to directly flow into the plant biotechnology industry and could a ....Protein modifications in plant mitochondria: towards functional proteomics. Energy production within plants in cellular structures called mitochondria is vital for their growth and development and is central to the early success of germinating and growing seedlings. This project intends to analyse mitochondria within plants using state of the art instrumentation and technologies. The findings from this research have the potential to directly flow into the plant biotechnology industry and could assist the future development of Australian agriculture through genetic improvements. The expertise developed by this work will ensure that Australia is well placed to exploit future advances in this field and to further generate the development of novel biotechnological applications in agriculture.Read moreRead less