Understanding the molecular basis of heparanase activity. This project aims to advance our understanding of the structure and impact on biological processes of heparanase (HSPE), an enzyme of critical importance. HSPE’s ability to interact with heparan sulfate (HS), a key component of the extracellular matrix and basement membranes, makes HPSE a pivotal enzyme in many important physiological and disease-related processes ranging from angiogenesis, tumour metastasis, inflammation, hair follicle ....Understanding the molecular basis of heparanase activity. This project aims to advance our understanding of the structure and impact on biological processes of heparanase (HSPE), an enzyme of critical importance. HSPE’s ability to interact with heparan sulfate (HS), a key component of the extracellular matrix and basement membranes, makes HPSE a pivotal enzyme in many important physiological and disease-related processes ranging from angiogenesis, tumour metastasis, inflammation, hair follicle development to wrinkle formation. The knowledge gained through this project is expected to provide new insight into the interaction between HSPE and HS/HSPG to reveal new pathways to the development of inhibitors to treat diseases such as cancer and diabetes.Read moreRead less
An Open Source Approach to Understanding an Important Parasite Ion Pump. This project plans to synthesise new compounds that bind the protein ATP4, an essential ion pump in the malaria parasite. It plans to generate a three-dimensional map to understand how these compounds stop ATP4 from working. Several promising new medicines for malaria target ATP4, yet we do not understand properly how they do so. The project’s intended aims will be achieved using new methods in synthetic chemistry and membr ....An Open Source Approach to Understanding an Important Parasite Ion Pump. This project plans to synthesise new compounds that bind the protein ATP4, an essential ion pump in the malaria parasite. It plans to generate a three-dimensional map to understand how these compounds stop ATP4 from working. Several promising new medicines for malaria target ATP4, yet we do not understand properly how they do so. The project’s intended aims will be achieved using new methods in synthetic chemistry and membrane biology, and by leveraging global scientific inputs through online research methods allowing anyone to participate.Read moreRead less