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
Role Of Viruses In The Development Of Lung Disease In Cystic Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,223,186.00
Summary
This study will investigate how lung disease starts in babies with cystic fibrosis and the role of viral infections in this process. The new knowledge gained will help us move towards treatments that prevent or delay the start of lung disease, something not currently possible. We believe this new treatment paradigm will lead to improved quality and extent of life of those with cystic fibrosis.
Towards The Rational Design Of Calcium Sensing Receptor Allosteric Modulators For The Treatment Of Osteoporosis And Calcium Handling Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$741,390.00
Summary
Drugs that target the human calcium sensing receptor can be too strong or too weak, resulting in side effects or lack of efficacy. This proposal thus seeks to establish whether the strength of drug activity can be rationally altered and exploited to treat different disease states by fine-tuning CaSR activity in a disease-specific manner.
Signaling Pathways To Enhance Potency Of AMPK-targeting Drugs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,966.00
Summary
Sedentary lifestyles and consumption of high energy foods has led to epidemics of obesity-related metabolic diseases that place enormous financial and medical burden on the Australian economy. An attractive drug target to treat these diseases is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which functions as both a cellular fuel gauge and co-ordinator of whole-body metabolism. Our goal is to improve AMPK drug potency by identifying novel processes that sensitize AMPK to drugs.