Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP170101732

Funded Activity Summary

How cholesterol optimises ion pump function in animal membranes. This project aims to determine how cholesterol optimises ion pump function in animal membranes and to identify the major effects of cholesterol and its derivatives on membranes’ physical properties. All animal cells need high levels of cholesterol in the plasma membrane for survival. Insufficient cholesterol biosynthesis leads to severe birth defects. The need for cholesterol is likely linked to its acceleration of sodium pump activity, essential to physiological processes including cell division, nerve, muscle and kidney activity. An expected benefit of the project is knowledge on the molecular origin of diseases associated with inhibition of cholesterol production, and a more complete understanding of the crucial role played by cholesterol via its effect on ion pumping towards the healthy functioning of vital organs, particularly in heart muscle and nerves.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2017

End Date: 31-12-2019

Funding Scheme: Discovery Projects

Funding Amount: $399,500.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Animal Physiology - Biophysics | Enzymes | Biochemistry and Cell Biology | Receptors and Membrane Biology

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

Cardiovascular System and Diseases | Expanding Knowledge in the Chemical Sciences | Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences |

Other Keywords

Animal Physiology - Biophysics | Biochemistry and Cell Biology | Cardiovascular System and Diseases | Enzymes | Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences | Expanding Knowledge in the Chemical Sciences | Receptors and Membrane Biology

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