A unified model of amino acid homeostasis. This project aims to develop a unified model of amino acid homeostasis in mammalian cells and apply it to brain cells. The model will be underpinned by a mathematical algorithm that allows predicting amino acid levels in the cytosol based on fundamental parameters such as transport and metabolism. This project should provide the significant benefit of enabling the prediction of essential functions such as cell growth and survival.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE180100775
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$368,446.00
Summary
Using nanostructured scaffolds to understand and engineer neuronal circuits. This project aims to understand the formation of neuronal circuits in the brain. While the role of biochemical features in the brain is well understood, it is not clear how the biophysical properties of the brain affect circuit formation. The outcomes of this project will improve our understanding of neuronal circuit formation as well as provide design rules for creating scaffolds to repair neuronal circuits after brain ....Using nanostructured scaffolds to understand and engineer neuronal circuits. This project aims to understand the formation of neuronal circuits in the brain. While the role of biochemical features in the brain is well understood, it is not clear how the biophysical properties of the brain affect circuit formation. The outcomes of this project will improve our understanding of neuronal circuit formation as well as provide design rules for creating scaffolds to repair neuronal circuits after brain damage. This project will integrate Australia’s strengths in nanotechnology and neurosciences, bringing Australian research at the forefront of neural engineering.Read moreRead less
Understanding the mechanisms of ion conduction and drug action in voltage gated sodium channels. Voltage-gated sodium channels initiate electrical impulses in nerve and muscle and are the target of many local anaesthetic, anti-epileptic and anti-arrythmic drugs. The publication of atomic resolution structures of homologous proteins from bacteria in the last 18 months has now made it possible to gain a detailed understanding of how these channels work, and how they are influenced by drugs. This p ....Understanding the mechanisms of ion conduction and drug action in voltage gated sodium channels. Voltage-gated sodium channels initiate electrical impulses in nerve and muscle and are the target of many local anaesthetic, anti-epileptic and anti-arrythmic drugs. The publication of atomic resolution structures of homologous proteins from bacteria in the last 18 months has now made it possible to gain a detailed understanding of how these channels work, and how they are influenced by drugs. This project aims to determine the basis of ion permeation and selectivity in the channels and explain the mechanisms of action for a number of common drugs. This will provide a foundation for future drug development to target specific channels for improved treatment of epilepsy, chronic pain and arrythmias. Read moreRead less
Resolving the Structures of Human Muscarinic M1 and M4 Receptors. Muscarinic receptors are vital for most basic human brain functions. These receptors are changed in schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. This project will determine the structure and localisation of two of these receptors in order to i) understand their roles in brain disorders and ii) develop drugs to treat disorders involving them.
A new platform technology for gene therapy . The project aims to make a landmark contribution to biological science by enabling programmed delivery of therapeutic payloads from biocompatible materials. It will employ a novel synthetic biology approach to form two distinct peptide-enabled molecular architectures in a single system. This is expected to deliver a platform technology that will allow successful programmed delivery of viral vectors. The project is likely to deliver significant societa ....A new platform technology for gene therapy . The project aims to make a landmark contribution to biological science by enabling programmed delivery of therapeutic payloads from biocompatible materials. It will employ a novel synthetic biology approach to form two distinct peptide-enabled molecular architectures in a single system. This is expected to deliver a platform technology that will allow successful programmed delivery of viral vectors. The project is likely to deliver significant societal benefit as a fundamental scientific platform, improving Australia's capacity and impact in the agriculture and the healthcare sectors. The platform technology has the potential to increase the quality of life for patients and their carers, while also produce fitter, healthier livestock.Read moreRead less