The Structure - Function Relationship Of NCC27, A Novel Nuclear Chloride Ion Channel Protein
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$241,527.00
Summary
Ion channels (IC) are complex proteins that regulate the transport of salts, an essential cell function. We have recently cloned a new IC, NCC27, unique in its location on the nuclear membrane, a site where they were previously thought to be unnecessary. The function of nuclear membrane ICs is unknown but our studies suggest that NCC27 is involved in regulating cell division. Because NCC27 has unique functional and structural characteristics, it will be particularly useful for answering fundamen ....Ion channels (IC) are complex proteins that regulate the transport of salts, an essential cell function. We have recently cloned a new IC, NCC27, unique in its location on the nuclear membrane, a site where they were previously thought to be unnecessary. The function of nuclear membrane ICs is unknown but our studies suggest that NCC27 is involved in regulating cell division. Because NCC27 has unique functional and structural characteristics, it will be particularly useful for answering fundamental questions relevant to the biology of animal cells: the role of nuclear membrane ICs in cell division; the way the structure of NCC27 allows it to carry out its function.Read moreRead less
Molecular Studies Of Dentine Phosphophoryn And Development Of A Biomimetic Dental Restorative Material.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,750.00
Summary
This project involves the study of a protein that is found in teeth and is responsible for the development of dentine. The project involves characterisation of this protein and its interaction with calcium phosphate mineral using a variety of techniques. The information obtained will allow the synthesis of a peptide that will mimick the function of phosphophoryn. This peptide will be used together with stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate in a novel dental restorative material that will help p ....This project involves the study of a protein that is found in teeth and is responsible for the development of dentine. The project involves characterisation of this protein and its interaction with calcium phosphate mineral using a variety of techniques. The information obtained will allow the synthesis of a peptide that will mimick the function of phosphophoryn. This peptide will be used together with stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate in a novel dental restorative material that will help protect the surrounding tooth tissue.The outcome will be an improved understanding of the design principles used by nature to engineer teeth. The significance is the potential development of biocompatible, superior dental restorative materials.Read moreRead less
Characterisation Of Proteins Involved In Biomineralisation Processes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$234,175.00
Summary
This project involves the study of two proteins that associate with calcium and phosphate. Phosphophoryn is found in teeth and is responsible for the development of dentine in teeth. Osteopontin is a multi-functional protein found in a variety of tissues as well as in bone and in milk. Its functions in bone and milk are unknown although it is believed to be involved in bone remodelling. This project involves characterisation of these two proteins and their interactions with calcium phosphate min ....This project involves the study of two proteins that associate with calcium and phosphate. Phosphophoryn is found in teeth and is responsible for the development of dentine in teeth. Osteopontin is a multi-functional protein found in a variety of tissues as well as in bone and in milk. Its functions in bone and milk are unknown although it is believed to be involved in bone remodelling. This project involves characterisation of these two proteins and their interactions with calcium phosphate mineral using a variety of techniques. The outcome will be an improved understanding of the design principles used by nature to engineer teeth and bone. The significance is the potential development of biocompatible apatite-based biomaterials for both tooth and bone.Read moreRead less
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of A Couple-based Program For The Transition To Parenthood.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$553,750.00
Summary
Couples who become parents face a very important and potentially very rewarding task: working together to raise their child. The current research evaluates the effects of a couple-based education program for people having their first child. The program helps couples develop realistic expectations about parenthood and effective ways of supporting each other as parents. The program also helps partners to understand and promote positive infant development, to enhance their couple communication, and ....Couples who become parents face a very important and potentially very rewarding task: working together to raise their child. The current research evaluates the effects of a couple-based education program for people having their first child. The program helps couples develop realistic expectations about parenthood and effective ways of supporting each other as parents. The program also helps partners to understand and promote positive infant development, to enhance their couple communication, and to promote a positive couple relationship while parenting. The program is offered through one face-to-face workshop held during the late stage of pregnancy, and then a home-based learning package consisting of a mix of videotaped information packages, reading and telephone based sessions with a psychologist. The overall aim is to produce an easily accessible support program for new parents that will enhance a couple's relationship with each other and their child. It is hoped this will reduce problems and enhance enjoyment of people becoming parents.Read moreRead less
Structure, Assembly, And Inhibition Of The Human Telomerase Enzyme Complex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,359.00
Summary
In contrast to the limited growth of normal human cells, cancer cells proliferate out of control and without limit. At least 85% of all human cancers rely on the enzyme TELOMERASE to sustain their unlimited proliferation. Telomerase is absent in most normal tissues and therefore represents a potentially effective and specific target for future cancer therapy. We aim to determine the precise 3-dimensional shape of human telomerase to provide a template for rational anti-telomerase drug design.
Investigation Of The Influence Preterm Birth On Lung Structure And Function In School Age Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$204,482.00
Summary
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains the most significant chronic lung complication of premature birth. While some information on the long term respiratory outcomes in BPD exist there are no comprehensive studies linking lung structure, function and respiratory symptoms and relating these changes to neonatal history. Studies of this kind are essential to ensure future healthcare for these children can be planned accordingly.