The Role Of The Glutamine Transporter SNAT3 In Ion Transport, Cell Signaling And Ammonia Detoxification
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$393,249.00
Summary
Hepatic encephalopathy is a syndrome observed in patients with liver cirrhosis and is caused by increased amounts of ammonia in the blood. The proposed project investigates a transporter that is involved in ammonia and glutamine metabolism in liver and brain. The two organs are critical to the pathology of liver failure and ammonia toxicity resulting from reduced liver function. The transporter thus could become a drug target for a variety of liver diseases.
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.
The hERG potassium ion channel is critical for the maintenance of the normal rhythm of the heartbeat. The aim of this study is to map the temporal sequence of the movements of different parts of the hERG K+ channel that regulate the opening and closing of the extracellular gate of the channel. To achieve this, we will use the powerful protein engineering technique of phi-value analysis, a technique that has never before been applied to voltage-gated ion channels.