Factors Regulating The Temporal And Spatial Assembly Of G-protein Coupled Receptor-mediated Arrestin Complexes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$472,770.00
Summary
G-protein coupled receptors are proteins that are present at the surface of most cells in the human body. They recognise and bind to specific molecules, such as hormones, the act of which results in a specific signal being transmitted into the cell. This signal alters the function of the cell and so it is critical that it is appropriate, both in type and duration. G-protein coupled receptors and the molecules that activate them provide an essential function within the human body for communicatin ....G-protein coupled receptors are proteins that are present at the surface of most cells in the human body. They recognise and bind to specific molecules, such as hormones, the act of which results in a specific signal being transmitted into the cell. This signal alters the function of the cell and so it is critical that it is appropriate, both in type and duration. G-protein coupled receptors and the molecules that activate them provide an essential function within the human body for communicating between cells, and consequently between organs. They are a major mechanism by which nerve signals are transmitted and hormones regulate bodily functions. They are therefore an important target for pharmaceuticals, with up to 50% of ethical drugs and many drugs of abuse acting upon them. It is critical to understand how these receptors alter cellular function once they receive an appropriate signal, but it is also essential to know how such responses are switched off. Arrestins are proteins within cells that interact with G-protein coupled receptors to 'arrest' their signalling. They desensitise the cell to continuous stimulation, but also act to resensitise the cell to respond to future, separate signals. Recently, they have also been shown to provide alternative mechanisms of altering cellular activity by interacting with other cellular proteins. These interactions greatly increase the potential ways in which a cell can respond once a G-protein coupled receptor is activated. Understanding the resulting complexity is essential if we are to fully exploit the vast therapeutic potential of this important receptor family.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Role Of RAS Mutations In Thyroid Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,854.00
Summary
My fellowship will examine the association of RAS mutations in thyroid cancer. RAS proteins are the most mutated in cancer and I will investigate how they work in thyroid cancer. RAS mutated thyroid cancer is more likely to cause death. This grant will be based in the pioneering lab of Prof Fagin at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. It is hoped by understanding these mutations, new treatments for thyroid cancer can be developed.
Thyroid-sympathoadrenal Regulation Of Human Brown Fat
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$447,141.00
Summary
This project aims to determine how hormones influence the growth and activity of brown fat in humans. Majority of fat cells in the body are white fat cells, which store fat, and cause obesity when in excess. Brown fat cells function like generators. They burn fat and release energy as heat. Humans with lots of brown fat are lean. What controls brown fat activity is currently unknown in humans. This project investigates how hormones influence brown fat activity and may shed light on the therapeut ....This project aims to determine how hormones influence the growth and activity of brown fat in humans. Majority of fat cells in the body are white fat cells, which store fat, and cause obesity when in excess. Brown fat cells function like generators. They burn fat and release energy as heat. Humans with lots of brown fat are lean. What controls brown fat activity is currently unknown in humans. This project investigates how hormones influence brown fat activity and may shed light on the therapeutic potential of brown fat in obesity treatment.Read moreRead less