Mechanotransduction is defined as the ability of living cells to respond to and convert mechanical stimuli into electro-chemical cellular signals to ensure survival. It is largely dependent on membrane proteins known as mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels. These channels are involved in senses of hearing and touch, and are also crucial regulators of heart and muscle function. This research aims to elucidate the general physical principles underlying mechanotransduction in living cells.
Investigation Of Lipid-protein Interactions Of Mechanosensitive Ion Channels
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,785.00
Summary
Living organisms are imminently exposed to mechanical stimuli such as gravity, touch or sound. Sensing mechanical stimuli is therefore crucial for survival. One biological tool for sensing mechanical stress are the mechanosensitive ion channels that open in response to tension in cell membranes. We will study the interactions and coupling between membrane lipids and mechanosensitive ion channels. These interactions are essential for the function of these fascinating sensory biological molecules.
Rhythmicity, Synchronicity And Spasm In Smooth Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$614,520.00
Summary
Many cellular systems undergo rhythmical spontaneous chemical and-or electrical activity . This activity, often referred to as pacemaking, is prevalent in many organs underlying brain waves or causing heart beats or rhythmic contractions of smooth muscle. Our studies on pacemaker rhythmicities in smooth muscle have revealed a novel mechanism, one which is entirely different to that responsible for heart pacemaking, the generally held model for electrical pacemakers. We aim to study the mechanism ....Many cellular systems undergo rhythmical spontaneous chemical and-or electrical activity . This activity, often referred to as pacemaking, is prevalent in many organs underlying brain waves or causing heart beats or rhythmic contractions of smooth muscle. Our studies on pacemaker rhythmicities in smooth muscle have revealed a novel mechanism, one which is entirely different to that responsible for heart pacemaking, the generally held model for electrical pacemakers. We aim to study the mechanism in depth so that we can fully describe its operation. This knowledge will provide insight into phenomena such as spontaneous contractions in blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and in the gastrointestinal tract, activities which are the norm and which are likely to have major influence on blood pressure, the propulsion of lymph and gut peristalsis. The knowledge will in the longer term lead to a better understanding of rhythmicities generally as far ranging as uterine contractions during childbirth to brain waves. An understanding of the pacemaker mechanism may also provide a key to understanding debilitating conditions such as vasospasm which can lead to death or serious disability.Read moreRead less
A Novel Patch-fluorimetry Technique For Investigating Structural Changes During Gating Of Mechanosensitive Ion Channnels
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,018.00
Summary
Membrane proteins, especially membrane channels play an important role in regulating the flow of substances across the cell. Dysfunction in these channels can lead to a variety of diseases. Thus approximately 60% of drug development is targeted against such proteins. In our research, we are looking at membrane channels found in bacteria. Understanding the function of these channels will help us develop novel anti-bacterial agents. It will also aid to understand a role of ion channels in disease.
Mechanisms Underlying The Generation Of Spontaneous Contractions In Human Uterine Muscle: Potential Therapeutic Target For Dysfunctional Labour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,901.00
Summary
Successful labour outcome is critical for the health of mother and offspring. Contractions too soon, or when they fail during labour, have significant short and long term consequences for mother and baby. Our recent studies on tissue from women in labour suggested new possible mechanisms underlying the initiation of uterine contractions. We will now test these ideas with a view to identifying new therapeutic targets for manipulating labour contractions.
Shedding Light Onto The Structural Secrets Inside Pluripotent Stem Cells In Real-time
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,890.00
Summary
To meet the challenges of life, a human being requires 30 trillion cells, a blue whale a staggering 100 quadrillion. This vast diversity of cells derives from very few unspecialised cells that can become any cell type of the adult body - the pluripotent stem cells. We will use innovative imaging techniques to uncover the cellular architecture of pluripotency to provide critical insights into how the various parts of a versatile cell, its cytoskeleton and organelles, are assembled in real-time.
Modulating The Skin Immune System With Physical Stimulus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,353.00
Summary
The Fellowship will be based between Uni QLD and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School. It will consist of pre-clinical development and validation of an in vivo optical micro-manipulation system for laser-guided extraction of cells. A comparable system will then be developed for characterization of leukocytes in healthy and diseased human skin. The long term outcomes will be better characterisation of inflammatory skin disease resulting in new targets and therapeutic strategies.
The Effects Of Human Epilepsy Mutations On Synaptic GABA-A Receptors Studied By Localization-based Superresolution Microscopy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,215.00
Summary
The genetic epilepsies are debilitating neurological disorders that are frequently associated with mutations in genes encoding neurotransmitter-gated receptors in the brain. The goal of this project is to understand mechanisms that cause changes in neuronal communication and lead to epilepsy on a single receptor level. This will lead to an improved understanding of the mechanisms of epileptogenesis and new insights into ways of treating different epilepsies.