Targeting Post-translational Modifications In TRPV Pain Channels
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$480,127.00
Summary
The same nerve receptor that binds the pungent component of chilli peppers (TRPV1) is an important part of our pain pathway. TRPV1 also responds to painful heat and acids. Chronic pain is an important unmet medical need and it uses the TRPV1 pathway. After activation by chilli, a feedback system in nerves inactivates TRPV1 and stops pain signalling. This feedback changes in chronic pain. This project aims to understand and exploit this feedback mechanism to find new approaches to pain therapy.
Voltage Dependent Calcium Channels And Vascular Function: Do Microdomains Determine Function?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,682.00
Summary
Blood flow depends on arterial diameter which can change with contraction of muscle in the vessel wall. Calcium influx through one type of channel in the muscle cells has been considered critical, but drugs targeting these channels have not succeeded in treating the arterial spasm which occurs after stroke and head injury. Our study will investigate the existence and role of other calcium channels in brain arteries. Knowledge gained will likely lead to development of new drug targets for stroke.