Cytoplasmic DNA As A Danger Signal For Mammalian Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$592,661.00
Summary
DNA in mammalian cells is contained within a structure known as the nucleus. The presence of DNA outside the nucleus in the cytoplasm of the cell is a sure sign that something is wrong, and may indicate the presence of a viral invader. In this case, the cell initiates anti-viral responses, including production of anti-viral proteins and death of the infected cell to stop replication of the virus. Lack of proper control of these responses may contibute to the autoimmune disease lupus.
Inflammasome Function In Protection Against Infectious Disease And Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,010.00
Summary
Inflammation, characterised by swelling, heat, pain and redness, is a normal response to injury and infection. Many human diseases such as gout, athersclerosis, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease involve some inflammation, mediated through a common pathway termed the inflammasome. This project will investigate the proteins involved in this pathway and how they interact in their normal role of combatting infections, as well as a possible defect in this pathway in autoimmune patients.