Functional studies on a novel, brain-specific, Golgi ATP-binding protein in membrane trafficking. In cells specialised for communication such as neurones, protein transport constitutes a large part of total cellular activity. A primary pathway in protein transport is trafficking from the Golgi apparatus to the cell membrane; materials destined for the cell membrane and secretion are sorted, packed and transported from the Golgi apparatus. However, the mechanisms underlying these processes at the ....Functional studies on a novel, brain-specific, Golgi ATP-binding protein in membrane trafficking. In cells specialised for communication such as neurones, protein transport constitutes a large part of total cellular activity. A primary pathway in protein transport is trafficking from the Golgi apparatus to the cell membrane; materials destined for the cell membrane and secretion are sorted, packed and transported from the Golgi apparatus. However, the mechanisms underlying these processes at the Golgi remain largely unknown. We have recently cloned a novel ATP-binding protein specifically expressed at the Golgi apparatus in human brain, and hypothesise that this protein regulates Golgi protein trafficking by interacting with two other molecules, dynamin and calcium, during cell secretion.Read moreRead less
Characterisation of a novel neural-specific ATPase in cholesterol transport. Ageing is determined by both genetic and metabolic factors. To a large part, the detailed mechanisms of ageing remain to be unexplored. Genetically, the timing of cell ageing entails the loss of telomeres (tips of chromosomes). However, the buildup of metabolic wastes resets the timing prematurely. Metabolic products accumulate from excess production or a shortfall of removal activity, which occurs in the various parts ....Characterisation of a novel neural-specific ATPase in cholesterol transport. Ageing is determined by both genetic and metabolic factors. To a large part, the detailed mechanisms of ageing remain to be unexplored. Genetically, the timing of cell ageing entails the loss of telomeres (tips of chromosomes). However, the buildup of metabolic wastes resets the timing prematurely. Metabolic products accumulate from excess production or a shortfall of removal activity, which occurs in the various parts of ageing cells in tissues such as brain. Traffic jams of cholesterol transport in the secretory pathway induce early ageing of the nerve cells. We investigate a novel mechanism controlling cholesterol transport in nerve cell ageing.Read moreRead less
Novel modes of signalling of serotonin 5-HT2c receptors. This project focuses on a special family of receptor proteins that mediate the actions of the neurochemical, serotonin (5HT), in the human brain. These serotonin receptors are major targets for antidepressant and antipsychotic medications, and also play a role in anxiety, migraine and control of appetite. Despite the important role of serotonin receptors in health and disease, the mechanism of action of many drugs acting on these receptors ....Novel modes of signalling of serotonin 5-HT2c receptors. This project focuses on a special family of receptor proteins that mediate the actions of the neurochemical, serotonin (5HT), in the human brain. These serotonin receptors are major targets for antidepressant and antipsychotic medications, and also play a role in anxiety, migraine and control of appetite. Despite the important role of serotonin receptors in health and disease, the mechanism of action of many drugs acting on these receptors remains unknown. Our project will specifically investigate novel molecular mechanisms associated with serotonin receptor activity that may prove vital in understanding mechanisms of psychiatric illnesses, and how many psychiatric medicines actually work.Read moreRead less