Regulatory mechanisms for calcium release-activated calcium channels. Store-operated calcium channels play a central role in the functions of all animal cells. They participate in generating the cellular responses to hormones, growth factors and other physiological stimuli. The aims of this project are to elucidate the mechanisms that regulate the activity of store-operated channels and how their properties can be modulated by different pharmacological agents. Using chiefly the techniques of ele ....Regulatory mechanisms for calcium release-activated calcium channels. Store-operated calcium channels play a central role in the functions of all animal cells. They participate in generating the cellular responses to hormones, growth factors and other physiological stimuli. The aims of this project are to elucidate the mechanisms that regulate the activity of store-operated channels and how their properties can be modulated by different pharmacological agents. Using chiefly the techniques of electrophysiology and molecular biology we expect to learn the fundamental mechanisms that modulate the opening and closing of store-operated calcium channels and to gain an important information that can be used for determining the molecular structure of these channelsRead moreRead less
Development Of An Artificial Vision System For Motion Detection. This work will have a broader impact beyond the advancement of a particular area of neurophysiology since it aims to produce a simple, robust velocity estimator in computer models and subsequently in silicon chips. We have already demonstrated the feasibility of transferring our basic preliminary models onto VLSI chips. Consistent with National Research Priorities 3 (Frontier Technologies), 4 (Defence Technologies) & 2 (Promoting a ....Development Of An Artificial Vision System For Motion Detection. This work will have a broader impact beyond the advancement of a particular area of neurophysiology since it aims to produce a simple, robust velocity estimator in computer models and subsequently in silicon chips. We have already demonstrated the feasibility of transferring our basic preliminary models onto VLSI chips. Consistent with National Research Priorities 3 (Frontier Technologies), 4 (Defence Technologies) & 2 (Promoting and Maintaining Good Health) our work has applications in the area of miniature autonomous systems in defence and civilian roles, including miniature unmanned aerial vehicles and collision avoidance detectors, while in the longer term it will serve as the basis for designing implantable artificial eyes.Read moreRead less
Activation mechanisms of store-operated calcium channels in liver cells. Currently, one of the most active areas of research in biology involves the molecular mechanisms that control the activity of cells. Defining these will provide a deeper understanding of normal function and disease, and provide potential therapeutic targets. This group has an international reputation for its work and it makes a major input to maintaining Australia as a significant contributor to this field. While its resea ....Activation mechanisms of store-operated calcium channels in liver cells. Currently, one of the most active areas of research in biology involves the molecular mechanisms that control the activity of cells. Defining these will provide a deeper understanding of normal function and disease, and provide potential therapeutic targets. This group has an international reputation for its work and it makes a major input to maintaining Australia as a significant contributor to this field. While its research has broad application in biology, its specific focus, calcium signalling in the liver, will provide the basis for understanding liver function and disease and, potentially, for developing new treatments for liver disease associated with abnormal calcium homeostasis.Read moreRead less
Structural and functional characterisation of PI3Kgamma, uniquely activated by p101. The movement of cells is involved in all aspects of life including development, growth and maintenance of organisms. In spite of this, our understanding of the mechanism involved in cell migration is limited. There are a number of conditions in which the ability to control cell movement would be of significant benefit. Examples include autoimmune conditions, asthma and cancer, the social and economic burdens ....Structural and functional characterisation of PI3Kgamma, uniquely activated by p101. The movement of cells is involved in all aspects of life including development, growth and maintenance of organisms. In spite of this, our understanding of the mechanism involved in cell migration is limited. There are a number of conditions in which the ability to control cell movement would be of significant benefit. Examples include autoimmune conditions, asthma and cancer, the social and economic burdens of which account for billions of dollars and millions of Australians. This project aims to understand one of the major mechanisms that controls cell migration, which is expected to produce significant economic and social outcomes in the areas of basic science knowledge, human health, and biotechnology. Read moreRead less