Signalosomes And Compartmentalisation In Cellular Homeostasis And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,646.00
Summary
G protein-coupled receptors are specialised proteins on the surface of cells. They are the targets of 30% of currently available pharmaceuticals. This proposal will examine exciting and novel properties of these proteins that only occur following their assembly into specialised networks in cells. The use of cutting-edge technology will allow us to understand the role of these networks in many diseases. The new information will expand our current knowledge, and facilitate targeted drug design.
The Molecular Mechanism Of Ion-coupled Transport In The Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$441,407.00
Summary
Cells in the brain communicate through chemical signals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitter transporters reside in the membranes of cells and are responsible for regulating levels of these chemicals in the brain. They play an important role in the normal function of the human brain but their dysfunction is responsible for many diseases including Alzheimer's disease and motor neuron disease. It is crucial to understand how these proteins work in both normal and disease states.
Identifying The Underlying Causes Of Chronic Visceral Pain And Discovering Novel Therapeutic Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
Chronic pain is a major, but under appreciated social, clinical and economic challenge. Globally >1.5 billion people suffer from chronic pain. In the USA alone pain is the leading cause of disability, affecting 115 million adults and costing >$630 billion, more than cancer, heart disease and diabetes combined. By using pre-clinical models and translational science this proposal will identify the key mechanisms underlying chronic pain and also identify novel targets for new therapeutic trea ....Chronic pain is a major, but under appreciated social, clinical and economic challenge. Globally >1.5 billion people suffer from chronic pain. In the USA alone pain is the leading cause of disability, affecting 115 million adults and costing >$630 billion, more than cancer, heart disease and diabetes combined. By using pre-clinical models and translational science this proposal will identify the key mechanisms underlying chronic pain and also identify novel targets for new therapeutic treatmentRead moreRead less
Determining The Mechanisms Underlying Chronic Visceral Pain And Providing Novel Treatment Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,218.00
Summary
Gastroenteritis activates special types of nerve endings in the gut to cause acute pain. In chronic gut pain, although the damaged tissue has healed, the nerve endings remain active and don’t reset back to normal. This project will identify why this occurs, determining pain mechanisms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a leading form of chronic pain. It will identify which ion channels and receptors can be targeted allowing the development of novel and effective therapies for pain relief.