A New Master Adaptor Protein For Toll-like Receptor Signalling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$869,288.00
Summary
Certain proteins on the surface of cells are able to sense danger and infection. These receptors use adaptor proteins to enable cells to respond appropriately. We have discovered a new adaptor that controls receptor signalling in inflammation. This new master adaptor likely has widespread roles in infection and inflammation. We aim to understand how this adaptor works, and to identify ways of blocking its actions. These studies may help us to control inflammation underpinning many diseases.
A New Paradigm For Class I Cytokine Receptor Activation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$954,946.00
Summary
Class I cytokine receptors include around 30 receptors with diverse functions such as controlling metabolism and inflammation. Cytokine receptors are molecular switches on cells that receive signals from other cells and transmit this signal into the cell’s nucleus to control the regulation of genes. This project will determine the molecular mechanisms involved in class I cytokine receptors and use this knowledge to develop novel ways to modulate these receptors for clinical applications.
A Structural Understanding Of Class B G Protein-coupled Receptor Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,289,570.00
Summary
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell surface proteins that enable communication from external signals to the inside of cells of the body. Class B GPCRs are a therapeutically important subclass of these receptors and they play crucial roles in bone and energy homeostasis, cardiovascular control and immune response. This grant will uncover fundamental knowledge on how these receptors work, and will enhance future development of therapeutics.
Understanding Changes In The Mammalian Prenylome Induced By Statins And Prenyltransferase Inhibitors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,308.00
Summary
Prenylation, the covalent attachment of isoprenoid lipids to proteins, is widespread in mammalian cells. Essential for a protein's normal function, it contributes to the progression of cancer and inflammation. We have developed a novel technology to identify all prenylated proteins in the cell. Aided by this method, we will analyse the effect of statins and anti-cancer drugs on protein prenylation. This will provide guidance in identifying a more effective clinical use for them.