Multiscale Analysis Of Plasma Membrane Microdomains In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,413.00
Summary
The cell surface encloses the cell in a protective barrier but it must also respond to signals coming from outside the cell. To accomplish this, the cell surface is made up of numerous regions each with a specialised role. This proposal aims to examine how lipids and proteins work together to make these specialised regions and aims to understand what goes wrong in diseases such as muscular dystrophy.
The regulation to early T cell signalling is a critical step in immune responses. Superimposed onto the biochemical pathways is a spatial organization that defines the immunological synapse. My research aims to map the principles of the spatial organization on the molecular scale to identify how lipids could unbalance the dynamic signalling equilibrium, for example in obese patients. To achieve this goal, my research group has developed single molecule microscopy approaches.
A Signalling Endosomal Network In T Cell Activation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,016.00
Summary
T lymphocytes play a central role in the adaptive immune response, which specifically targets pathogens and cancer cells and creates the immunological memory. Activation of sometimes as little as one single receptor on a T cell triggers a cellular signal that rapidly expands and branches out in a multitude of sub-signals. Here we will use a combination of novel microscopy approaches to visualise how a network of dedicated intracellular compartments is in charge of these processes.
Identification And Characterization Of Novel Proteins In Endosomal Cholesterol Transport
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,636.00
Summary
Abnormal subcellular distribution of cholesterol is associated with a number of common diseases including heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. The overall aim of this proposal is to identify and characterize novel molecules that regulate the transport of intracellular cholesterol. Results from the proposed studies will provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms governing intracellular cholesterol transport and distribution, and will lead to better treatment strategies against hea ....Abnormal subcellular distribution of cholesterol is associated with a number of common diseases including heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. The overall aim of this proposal is to identify and characterize novel molecules that regulate the transport of intracellular cholesterol. Results from the proposed studies will provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms governing intracellular cholesterol transport and distribution, and will lead to better treatment strategies against heart disease and dementia.Read moreRead less
Prof Parton is a cell biologist studying how the plasma membrane functions in health and in disease. These studies have provided new insights into potential vehicles that can be used to introduce therapeutic agents into cells.
How Lipids Affect Signalling Efficiencies In T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$472,882.00
Summary
A high fat diet can compromise the function our immune system. This project examines how lipids affect T cells. We propose that T cells from mice on a high fat diet can no longer respond to an immune challenge because the signalling processes that lead to activation are deregulated. We have established a new microscopy technique that allows us to measure the efficiency of signalling processes. We will use this method to identify which lipids contribute the most to T cell deregulation.
I am a cell biologist determining how the organization of the plasma membrane influences signal transduction processes; my long-term goal is to understand the spatial–temporal organization of cell signalling.
The Role Of Membrane Phospholipids In Regenerative Axonal Fusion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$571,950.00
Summary
Injuries to the nervous system can cause lifelong disabilities due to ineffective repair of the damaged nerve fibres. Our previous research has identified a highly efficient mechanism that occurs in nematode worms that allows severed nerves to fuse back together. We will now focus on understanding precisely how this mechanism works, and investigate its utility in repairing nerves that don’t normally utilise this repair mechanism.