The Structural Basis Of Ligand-Induced Activation Of The Insulin Receptor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$640,825.00
Summary
We aim to understand how insulin binds to and activates its cell-surface receptor. This information has implications for the design of anti-diabetic agents targetted directly to the insulin receptor. Diabetes is a global health problem and is classified by the World Health Organization as an epidemic. The results also have implications for the insulin-like growth factor receptor system and the design of anti-cancer therapeutics directed towards it .
Characterisation Of Novel CDKL5 Targets: Implications For Rett Syndrome And Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,977.00
Summary
Rett syndrome (RTT) is the second most common cause of severe mental retardation in girls and women. Although two genes (MECP2 and CDKL5) responsible for RTT have been identified, we still do not understand how these genes affect brain function. The focus of this research project is to identify which proteins are controlled by CDKL5, with the express hope that a better understanding of these processes will allow us to design specfic therapies for this untreatable devasting disorder.
Structural Basis Of Ligand Binding To Type 1 Insulin-like Growth Factor Receptor (IGF-1R)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$446,562.00
Summary
Insulin-like growth factors are involved in normal growth and development. However, they are also implicated in cancer development and progression. We are seeking to understand the way in which these growth factors bind to their receptor on the surface of the cell and stimulate the cell to survive, proliferate and migrate to new tumour sites. Such knowledge will be useful in the design of molecules that could potentially intervere with this process and thus be used as anti-cancer therapeutics.
Structural Characterisation Of Phosphopeptide Recognition By FHA Domains
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$257,036.00
Summary
Cells require numerous signalling pathways to keep various cellular processes coordinated and under control. One of the most important aspects of signalling is formation of complexes involving two or more different proteins. One of the recently identified players in the formation of these signalling complexes is the so-called forkhead-associated (FHA) module, FHA modules are protein sequences of ~130 amino acids that appear as a part of signalling proteins and bind to specific sequences on signa ....Cells require numerous signalling pathways to keep various cellular processes coordinated and under control. One of the most important aspects of signalling is formation of complexes involving two or more different proteins. One of the recently identified players in the formation of these signalling complexes is the so-called forkhead-associated (FHA) module, FHA modules are protein sequences of ~130 amino acids that appear as a part of signalling proteins and bind to specific sequences on signalling protein partners. Many proteins containing FHA modules are important for the repair of damaged DNA and the stability of chromosomes. The aim of our studies is to understand the molecular and atomic details of how FHA modules bind their partners. This is the first step towards designing therapeutic agents against various forms of cancer where DNA is damaged.Read moreRead less