Deciphering How PTEN Phosphatase Mediates Excitotoxic Neuronal Death
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$519,715.00
Summary
In stroke patients, oxygen deprivation indirectly induces massive nerve cell death by activating a cell death-promoting enzyme called PTEN. We aim at unravelling (i) how PTEN is activated by oxygen deprivation, (ii) where the activated PTEN is localised in cells, and (iii) how the activated and optimally localised PTEN induces nerve cell death. The study will benefit development of therapeutic strategies to protect against brain damage in stroke.
Mosiquite bourne viruses like dengue fever and West Nile virus are responsible for many deaths each year, with little prophylatic treatments available. We want to look at how these viruses can replicate in cells and hide from our immune system. We have found that cholesterol plays a major role in efficient virus replication and is crucial for us to fight infections. Our studies have indicated that West Nile virus can alter cholesterol metabolism and concentration within our bodies.