The Molecular Mechanism Of Ion-coupled Transport In The Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$441,407.00
Summary
Cells in the brain communicate through chemical signals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitter transporters reside in the membranes of cells and are responsible for regulating levels of these chemicals in the brain. They play an important role in the normal function of the human brain but their dysfunction is responsible for many diseases including Alzheimer's disease and motor neuron disease. It is crucial to understand how these proteins work in both normal and disease states.
Mechanisms Underlying The Effects Of Retinoic Acid Receptor Gamma In Haemopoiesis And Bone Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$366,801.00
Summary
My recent studies have demonstrated that a model of vitamin A deficiency results in impaired blood cell production and contributes to a blood cell disorder that can progress to leukaemia. There are also reduced numbers of blood stem cells (which give rise to all blood cells) and bone (which helps to regulate blood cell production) in this mouse model. In these studies I seek to understand more on how vitamin A deficiency causes these defects, which may lead to better treatment of such diseases.