Understanding G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs): Accelerating Discovery From Concept To Clinic.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,871,789.00
Summary
G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) form the largest family of receptors (and thus drug targets) in living organisms. Currently, the major reason that new drugs fail to reach the clinic is lack of appropriate drug effect (approx. 30%). Thus, we need a better understanding of how GPCRs work and how this relates to disease. Our Program addresses this knowledge gap, using GPCR models that are relevant to treatment of metabolic, cardiovascular and central nervous system disease.
Astrocytic Glutamate Transporters: Molecular Characteristics Of Their Activity-dependent Localization And Targeting
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$558,189.00
Summary
Dysfunction of glutamate transport is implicated in the pathology of neurodegenerative conditions. Our aim is to understand how the molecules responsible for glutamate transport are organized on the cell surface and how their movement within cells regulates transporter activity. Advances of this type will indicate new pharmacological and molecular biological strategies for the management of brain disorders.
Understanding The Mechanisms Used By G-protein Coupled Receptors To Regulate Insulin-independent Glucose Transport
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$105,590.00
Summary
In type 2 diabetes, stimulation of glucose transport in fat cells and skeletal muscle by insulin is impaired. As a result there is great interest in identifying insulin-independent mechanisms that increase glucose transport. Several G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate glucose transport independently of insulin but the mechanisms involved in these effects are largely unknown. This project investigates how GPCRs regulate glucose transport for potential as treatments.
Molecular Mechanism And Novel Activators Of Amino Acid And Calcium-sensing Class 3 G-protein Coupled Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$519,715.00
Summary
When we eat protein-containing foods, our bodies extract twenty different amino acids for growth and tissue regeneration. Broad-spectrum amino acid sensing receptors detect the increases in blood amino acid levels and respond by triggering the release of biochemical signals. This project will establish the molecular rules by which these receptors work and identify novel activators with potential therapeutic application for the control of growth, tissue regeneration and calcium metabolism.