The Role Of Keratin End-domains In Filament Biology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$139,235.00
Summary
The skin is the largest organ in the body and is the main interface between the organism and the external environment. It protects us from UV radiation, microbial invasion and chemical attack. It is able to repair itself and in fact, is continually renewing itself. In this study, we propose to examine the biology of keratins and the filament networks they form. Keratins are the most abundant proteins present in the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. Keratins form a cellular skeleton that re ....The skin is the largest organ in the body and is the main interface between the organism and the external environment. It protects us from UV radiation, microbial invasion and chemical attack. It is able to repair itself and in fact, is continually renewing itself. In this study, we propose to examine the biology of keratins and the filament networks they form. Keratins are the most abundant proteins present in the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. Keratins form a cellular skeleton that reinforces skin cells to help them withstand mechanical trauma. Mutations in these proteins result in a much weaker skeleton and ultimately in disease. We will examine how the keratin building blocks are transported around the cell to where they are needed. We will also determine the effect of mutations in this transport process on the biology of the cell. These studies may provide important clues into certain inherited skin disorders.Read moreRead less