Coupling The Cell Cortex To Membranes: Structural Basis For The Activation And Control Of Ezrin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$587,548.00
Summary
Cells are dynamic: they change shape, communicate with each other and import/export signalling molecules. These dynamic processes are controlled via the interaction of the cell membrane with the underlying actin cytoskeleton and they are important for health, for example, they are critical for proper immune cell function. The goal of this project in to unravel the control of membrane dynamics by defining the interactions between the cell membrane and the proteins: ezrin and RhoA.
In Vitro And In Vivo Investigation Of Actin Regulation In The Malaria Parasite
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,294.00
Summary
Malaria parasites move in a unique way. They move across cell surfaces and infect human cells using a unique molecular motor that allows them to, literally, glide. The research proposal outlined here is focused on understanding a key part of the motor – the dynamic protein actin – and by understanding how it is regulated develop new potential targets for novel drugs that might stop movement and, therefore, help prevent or treat malaria disease.
Mechanism Of Action Of Dynamin Ring Stabilizer Compounds Controlling The Actin Cytoskeleton
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$659,360.00
Summary
We will test our hypothesis that ring stabilizer (RS) compounds we invented may become future proteinuric kidney disease therapeutics. The global epidemic of kidney disease eludes present treatments. Dysfunction of podocyte cells accounts for 90% of end-stage kidney diseases. Our pilot data shows that our ring stabilizer compounds restore podocyte function in vitro and kidney function in animal models. We aim to understand their mechanism of action.
Dissecting The Molecular Basis Of Actin Filament Disassembly In The Malaria Parasite
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$576,716.00
Summary
Cell movement by the malaria parasites is fundamental to parasite infection and disease. However, whilst core components of the parasite motor driving movement are known, little is understood about their regulation, in particular actin – the dynamic force behind all parasite motility. Here by dissecting the role of actin-depolymerizing-factor-1, an essential parasite actin regulator, we hope to reveal one of the central processes that underlies motility and develop it into a potential drug targe ....Cell movement by the malaria parasites is fundamental to parasite infection and disease. However, whilst core components of the parasite motor driving movement are known, little is understood about their regulation, in particular actin – the dynamic force behind all parasite motility. Here by dissecting the role of actin-depolymerizing-factor-1, an essential parasite actin regulator, we hope to reveal one of the central processes that underlies motility and develop it into a potential drug target.Read moreRead less