Investigating CRAC Channel Assembly And Interactions Important In Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$398,247.00
Summary
#ERROR: -Transmission and amplification of signals between subcellular compartments underpins cell function. Calcium ions are cellular messengers that can cross Membranes using specialised pores. CRAC Calcium channels in particular are critical for immune system function,and partner Proteins switch them on and off in a feedback response to compartmental Calcium levels. the objective of my research is to investigate how opening and closing of the CRAC pore is triggered at a molecular level.
Determining Fundamental Mechanisms Compromised In Kir-linked Disease States
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,040.00
Summary
The human nervous system and organs are reliant on precisely controlled transmission of electrical currents through sodium and potassium channels. Their core functions are compromised when currents fail to switch on and off normally. Faulty potassium channels are implicated in diabetes, epilepsy and heart failure. This project re-examines the mechanisms controlling potassium channels, with a view to scientific and therapeutic discrimination between the different classes present in human cells.
Peptide Toxins From Animal Venoms Specifically Targeting Voltage-gated Sodium Channels As Novel Analgesics And Pesticides
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
This project aims to understand how certain animal toxins that cause analgesic and pesticidal effects in model animals interact with biological ion channels in atomistic detail using computational techniques. By understanding the detailed molecular interactions involved in the binding of the toxins to channels, toxin variants with improved potency and specificity may be designed as promising templates for novel analgesics and pesticides.
Development Of Membrane Protein Structural Biology In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,484.00
Summary
Membrane proteins are key components of all living organisms, constituting more than 30% of cellular proteins and representing more than 50% of all drug targets. Despite their medical importance our knowledge of membrane proteins is still extremely limited and requires further technological advances. This work will firmly establish membrane protein crystallography in Australia and provide a basis for training of new researchers in this important field.
Structure Determination Of The Mammalian Ryanodine Receptor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$377,397.00
Summary
Heart failure is the leading cause of death worldwide. We will determine the structure of the ryanodine receptor, a calcium channel involved in initiating contraction of cardiac and skeletal muscle. Detailed insights into the function of the ryanodine receptor will result from this work. An atomic structure of the cardiac ryanodine receptor will assist in the development of improved ryanodine receptor inhibitors to prevent and treat congestive heart failure.