The role of keratin end-domains in filament biology

Funded Activity Summary

The skin is the largest organ in the body and is the main interface between the organism and the external environment. It protects us from UV radiation, microbial invasion and chemical attack. It is able to repair itself and in fact, is continually renewing itself. In this study, we propose to examine the biology of keratins and the filament networks they form. Keratins are the most abundant proteins present in the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. Keratins form a cellular skeleton that reinforces skin cells to help them withstand mechanical trauma. Mutations in these proteins result in a much weaker skeleton and ultimately in disease. We will examine how the keratin building blocks are transported around the cell to where they are needed. We will also determine the effect of mutations in this transport process on the biology of the cell. These studies may provide important clues into certain inherited skin disorders.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2001

End Date: 01-01-2002

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $139,235.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Biochemistry And Cell Biology Not Elsewhere Classified

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

cytoskeleton | epidermolysis bullosa | inherited disorders | intermediate filaments | keratinocyte cell culture and transfection | kinesin | skin related diseases | transgenic mice

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