Signalling cross-talk through Suppressors Of Cytokine Signalling (SOCS) initiates luteolysis in the ovary. Members of the newly discovered SOCS protein family block cytokine signal transduction pathways, including those for prolactin and GH. We have discovered that one of these proteins, SOCS-3, is upregulated in the corpus luteum of the ovary by prostaglandins and propose that induction of prolactin or GH resistance is a hitherto unrecognised and critical step in luteolysis. We have also disco ....Signalling cross-talk through Suppressors Of Cytokine Signalling (SOCS) initiates luteolysis in the ovary. Members of the newly discovered SOCS protein family block cytokine signal transduction pathways, including those for prolactin and GH. We have discovered that one of these proteins, SOCS-3, is upregulated in the corpus luteum of the ovary by prostaglandins and propose that induction of prolactin or GH resistance is a hitherto unrecognised and critical step in luteolysis. We have also discovered that this cross-talk between prostaglandin- and cytokine-receptor signalling pathways occurs in preadipocyte and breast cell lines and propose that this research will serve as a paradigm for understanding how sensitivity to cytokines can be controlled at a molecular level.Read moreRead less
Calcium regulation in the skeletal muscle triad and along the fibre. The fundamental role of skeletal muscle is posture and movement. Alterations in the normal way calcium regulates skeletal muscle function in fatigue, age and disease states causes loss of normal function. Preventing or controlling these changes is a key therapeutic aim. However, we currently lack full understanding of key mechanisms of calcium regulation in healthy skeletal muscle. This project will define key aspects of cal ....Calcium regulation in the skeletal muscle triad and along the fibre. The fundamental role of skeletal muscle is posture and movement. Alterations in the normal way calcium regulates skeletal muscle function in fatigue, age and disease states causes loss of normal function. Preventing or controlling these changes is a key therapeutic aim. However, we currently lack full understanding of key mechanisms of calcium regulation in healthy skeletal muscle. This project will define key aspects of calcium regulation that could be crucial to developing targets for improving function of skeletal muscle under stressed states.Read moreRead less
The sulfate anion transporter gene, Sat1: physiology, regulation and developmental expression. Sulfate is an essential nutrient for cell growth and survival. The kidneys and liver help regulate sulfate levels in the body, by yet unknown mechanisms. Recently, we cloned a gene, Sat1, expressed in mouse liver and kidneys, which may be responsible for body sulfate maintenance. In this study, we will determine the physiological importance of Sat1 in cell growth/survival and in controlling body sulfa ....The sulfate anion transporter gene, Sat1: physiology, regulation and developmental expression. Sulfate is an essential nutrient for cell growth and survival. The kidneys and liver help regulate sulfate levels in the body, by yet unknown mechanisms. Recently, we cloned a gene, Sat1, expressed in mouse liver and kidneys, which may be responsible for body sulfate maintenance. In this study, we will determine the physiological importance of Sat1 in cell growth/survival and in controlling body sulfate levels. We will generate and characterise a Sat1 lacking mouse, study its expression during development and its effects on other genes. We will elucidate how body sulfate levels are maintained and its importance in cell growth/development.Read moreRead less
A new model for secreton in epithelial cells. This proposal sets out to test a new model for secretion that we have developed in the light of recent experimental data. The project outcomes will advance our understanding of normal processes of secretion and may be important in understanding disease. We will develop cutting-edge techniques of microscopy which will place Australia at the forefront of this exciting field. The project will bring benefit to the Australian scientific community through ....A new model for secreton in epithelial cells. This proposal sets out to test a new model for secretion that we have developed in the light of recent experimental data. The project outcomes will advance our understanding of normal processes of secretion and may be important in understanding disease. We will develop cutting-edge techniques of microscopy which will place Australia at the forefront of this exciting field. The project will bring benefit to the Australian scientific community through interactions and collaborations with other scientists in Australia and internationally and will benefit early-career scientists, training them in novel methods and allowing them to develop their research expertise and profile and enabling them to compete on the world science stage. Read moreRead less
High Resolution EM Tomography of Specialised Plasma Membrane Domains. This project will provide National benefits in two major areas. Firstly, these studies will greatly increase our understanding of the cellular structures which are crucial to the functioning of cells in the body. Understanding the structure of the components of animal cells in three dimensions will provide long-term benefits in the quest to understand how a cell works in health and what goes wrong in disease. Secondly, this pr ....High Resolution EM Tomography of Specialised Plasma Membrane Domains. This project will provide National benefits in two major areas. Firstly, these studies will greatly increase our understanding of the cellular structures which are crucial to the functioning of cells in the body. Understanding the structure of the components of animal cells in three dimensions will provide long-term benefits in the quest to understand how a cell works in health and what goes wrong in disease. Secondly, this project will allow us to develop the new method of electron microscope tomography and apply it to a crucial question in biology. This will be a vital technique for Australian investigators in the coming years and this project will allow scientists and students to be trained in these state-of-the-art techniques.Read moreRead less
Solar radiation, coral bleaching and climate change. Corals reefs like the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) underpin approximately $2 billion annually in sustainable tourism and fisheries. Warming of Australia's tropical seas, however, has increased mass coral bleaching/mortality and is placing reefs like the GBR at increasing risk. Solar radiation (PAR, UVR) plays an important influence on the biological outcome of thermal stress. Understanding the role of solar radiation is critical if we are to unde ....Solar radiation, coral bleaching and climate change. Corals reefs like the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) underpin approximately $2 billion annually in sustainable tourism and fisheries. Warming of Australia's tropical seas, however, has increased mass coral bleaching/mortality and is placing reefs like the GBR at increasing risk. Solar radiation (PAR, UVR) plays an important influence on the biological outcome of thermal stress. Understanding the role of solar radiation is critical if we are to understand the changes that will occur on coral reefs as temperatures increase. This multidisciplinary international team will define and model the role of solar radiation on thermal stress at local, regional and global scales. Read moreRead less