Molecular Basis Of Voltage Dependent-activation Of HERG K+ Channels
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,500.00
Summary
The rhythm of the normal heart beat is controlled by electrical signals mediated by the flow of electrically charged atoms called ions. The flow of ions across heart cell membranes is predominantly mediated by proteins called ion channels that open and close in response to changes in the voltage across the cell membrane. One of these channels, called the HERG channel, has some unusual properties. Most notably, HERG channels open very slowly following an electrical stimulus, so slowly that they d ....The rhythm of the normal heart beat is controlled by electrical signals mediated by the flow of electrically charged atoms called ions. The flow of ions across heart cell membranes is predominantly mediated by proteins called ion channels that open and close in response to changes in the voltage across the cell membrane. One of these channels, called the HERG channel, has some unusual properties. Most notably, HERG channels open very slowly following an electrical stimulus, so slowly that they do not fully open until the end of the cardiac contraction cycle. These channels are therefore particularly well placed to help suppress arrhythmias initiated by premature or ectopic beats. We propose to undertake a detailed investigation into the mechanisms by which HERG channels open and close and to determine why activation of these channels is so slow. These results will provide a greater understanding of how HERG channels work and how the normal activity of HERG channels helps to suppress abnormal heart rhythms.Read moreRead less
Molecular Mechanism And Novel Activators Of Amino Acid And Calcium-sensing Class 3 G-protein Coupled Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$519,715.00
Summary
When we eat protein-containing foods, our bodies extract twenty different amino acids for growth and tissue regeneration. Broad-spectrum amino acid sensing receptors detect the increases in blood amino acid levels and respond by triggering the release of biochemical signals. This project will establish the molecular rules by which these receptors work and identify novel activators with potential therapeutic application for the control of growth, tissue regeneration and calcium metabolism.
Neurological Manifestations Of Experimental Neuronal Voltage-gated Potassium Channel Autoimmunity.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$65,148.00
Summary
Antibodies against neuronal voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKC) are seen in various neurological illnesses, most commonly epilepsy and memory loss. The role of VGKC antibodies in the development of brain disease will be studied by immunizing rabbits against VGKC and transferring these antibodies to mice.
L-amino Acid Sensing By The Extracellular Calcium-sensing Receptor: Molecular, Cellular And In Vivo Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$362,545.00
Summary
Recent work by Dr Conigrave and colleagues demonstrates for the first time that protein and calcium metabolism are linked at the molecular level by the widely distributed calcium-sensing receptor. The project will aim to demonstrate the physiological significance of this finding by testing whether L-amino acids, the building blocks of body protein, exert receptor-dependent control over the secretion and blood levels of hormones that regulate body calcium levels. It will further test the hypothes ....Recent work by Dr Conigrave and colleagues demonstrates for the first time that protein and calcium metabolism are linked at the molecular level by the widely distributed calcium-sensing receptor. The project will aim to demonstrate the physiological significance of this finding by testing whether L-amino acids, the building blocks of body protein, exert receptor-dependent control over the secretion and blood levels of hormones that regulate body calcium levels. It will further test the hypothesis by determining whether amino acids exert receptor-dependent control over the proliferation of bone forming cells and urinary excretion of calcium.Read moreRead less