State Dependent Drug Binding To The Human Ether-à-go-go Related Gene Channel
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$33,193.00
Summary
Heart rhythm disturbance is a common cause of death in our community. In a subset of patients the heart rhythm disturbance is caused by mutations in genes that encode for special proteins called ion channels. However, even in patients without a mutation certain drugs can cause the same problem. Such drugs need to be identified early in their development but current methods to do this are inaccurate. An understanding of how these drugs disturb the heart rhythm will allow more accurate testing.
The Role Of Seipin In Adipocyte Development And Lipid Droplet Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,258.00
Summary
The prevalence of obesity and its related disorders has reached an alarming level in Australia and other developed countries. Obesity is characterized by the accumulation of fully-differentiated adipocytes loaded with lipid droplets (LDs). We aim to characterize seipin, which regulate both lipid droplet formation and adipocyte differentiation. Results from our proposed studies may offer novel therapeutic strategies against human obesity.
Targeting Dysfunctional Mitochondria In Macrophages To Inhibit Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,009,796.00
Summary
The major contributing cells to heart disease are macrophages. These cells scavenge cholesterol, keeping the blood vessels clean and limiting heart disease. The macrophages must process and donate the scavenged cholesterol onto HDL-cholesterol that carries them back to the liver for removal. This process requires the powerhouse of the cell, the mitochondria to be functional. We have discovered that process fails and have novel drugs to re-instate this process of cholesterol removal.