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.
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
The primary aim of my research has been to understand how biological ion channels work. All electrical activities in the nervous system, including communication between cells and influences of hormones and drugs on cell function, are regulated by the opening and closing of ion channels. Thus, understanding how these ion channels operate will ultimately help us find the causes of, and possibly cures for, many neurological, muscular and cardiac disorders.
Dynamic Action Potential Clamp Studies Of Drugs That Affect The Cardiac Action Potential
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$343,976.00
Summary
The development of drugs to treat and.or prevent cardiac arrhythmias have been plagued by the side-effect of actually increasing the risk of sudden death. One of the reasons for this is that drugs that work well in one part of the heart may cause problems in another part. We are developing a system called “dynamic action potential clamp” that will make it easier for researchers to assess the effect of drugs in different regions of both normal and diseased hearts.
Role Of Calcium-activated Potassium Channels In Neuronal Excitability, Synaptic Plasticity And Sensory Processing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,272.00
Summary
Disturbances in brain function, as occur in diseases such as epilepsy and schizophrenia, are associated with abnormal electrical activity. This electrical activity leads to increases in calcium inside nerve cells. In this project we plan to investigate how changes in calcium inside nerve cells regulates electrical activity, and how this impacts on the capacity of the brain to process and learn new information.
How Do Anaesthetics Work? A Rational Basis For Safer General Anaesthesia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$592,008.00
Summary
General anaesthetics are a mainstay of modern medicine, but have a small safety margin, requiring skilled anaesthetists for their safe use. There is growing evidence that general anaesthetic exposure may have long-term effects on brain function in both newborns and the elderly. This project will provide a detailed molecular description of anaesthetic action and specificity. It will provide the basis for designing new anaesthetics that are safer, both immediately and for long-term brain function.
Failure-to-progress In Human Labour Results From A Profound Electrical Negativity Of The Uterine Cells: Targeting The Ion Channels Involved
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,541.00
Summary
The incidence of failure to progress in labour has increased in recent years, being linked to the rise in obesity. The result is a significant escalation in the rate of delivery by Caesarean Section (CS) which increases the risk of serious complications during subsequent pregnancies. We have identified dysfunctional systems associated with poor uterine contraction. We now aim to determine the mechanisms underlying these dysfunctional systems to lay the foundations for better therapeutics.