Molecular determinants of amino acid-dependent signalling by the calcium-sensing receptor

Funded Activity Summary

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and an alternative energy source to carbohydrate and fat. Proteins are major structural components of our bodies. They also fulfil an amazing diversity of cellular and bodily functions acting, for example, as enzymes (biological catalysts), receptors, molecular chaperones and biological machines. Thus, amino acids are key nutrients and the human body has developed mechanisms for tightly regulating cellular responses depending upon their levels in blood. Identifying amino acid sensing molecules and identifying the mechanisms they use to control cellular responses is thus a key issue in human biology. The applicant identified the calcium-sensing receptor as an amino acid sensor and has shown that this receptor provides a means by which fluctuations in amino acid levels regulate the secretion of the key calcium-regulating hormone, PTH. In the current proposal, the mechanisms that link amino acid activation of the calcium-sensing receptor to its key cellular responses will be determined.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2006

End Date: 01-01-2008

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $566,035.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Endocrinology

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

G-protein coupled receptor | calcitonin secretion | calcium metabolism | calcium-sensing receptor | hyperparathyroidism | osteoporosis | parathyroid hormone secretion

Related Links