Relaxin Receptor Structural Determination To Aid Therapeutic Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,249,114.00
Summary
The receptor for the peptide hormone relaxin, RXFP1, is being targeted by numerous drug companies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, the lack of molecular detail of how relaxin binds and activates RXFP1 is hindering new drug development. We will determine the structure of the complex of relaxin bound to RXFP1 and the mechanism by which this activates cells. The knowledge gained will aid in the design of new drugs targeting RXFP1 for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
This project will develop a smart bone healing gel to bridge fragments of bone defects leading to stem cell recruitment, reduced inflammation, and blood supply for fracture healing. The design of the smart bone healing gel is based on the structures and properties of functional tissue healing hematoma in wound healing.
Improving Kidney Transplant Outcomes Using Normothermic Machine Perfusion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$778,232.00
Summary
Kidneys donated for transplantation are at risk of damage that prevent the organ from working and reduce its lifespan. Normothermic machine perfusion is a device that can circulate oxygenated blood at normal body temperature through a donor kidney prior to transplantation. In doing so it is able to resuscitate the kidney and prevent injury. We will determine how machine perfusion achieves this remarkable effect and investigate new treatments for kidney injury.
Deadly Commute - Targeting The Trafficking Mechanisms That Licence Inflammatory Cell Death
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$774,544.00
Summary
MLKL is a protein naturally found inside cells. MLKL is activated by inflammation. Once activated, MLKL relocates to the outer periphery of cells and kills them. Gut cells are especially vulnerable to death-by-MLKL and this problem causes Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Using cutting edge microscopy, we have discovered how MLKL moves to the periphery of cells prior to killing them. We will test if blocking this movement of MLKL to the cell periphery stops gut death and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.