STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND REGULATION OF F-TYPE ATP SYNTHASES
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,660.00
Summary
ATP synthase is the molecular machinery that converts energy derived from nutrients or photosynthesis into the universal biological energy carrier ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This is one of the most fundamental processes of life and is conserved from bacteria to plants to humans. Understanding how bacterial and mitochondrial ATP synthases work in molecular detail will have wide-ranging implications for both medicine (in understanding metabolic disorders, controlled cell death and aging) and th ....ATP synthase is the molecular machinery that converts energy derived from nutrients or photosynthesis into the universal biological energy carrier ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This is one of the most fundamental processes of life and is conserved from bacteria to plants to humans. Understanding how bacterial and mitochondrial ATP synthases work in molecular detail will have wide-ranging implications for both medicine (in understanding metabolic disorders, controlled cell death and aging) and the design of new antibacterial agents.Read moreRead less
The Structural Basis For Glutamate Transporter Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$373,144.00
Summary
Glutamate transporters are vacuum cleaners in the brain that suck the neurotransmitter glutamate into cells. When the glutamate vacuum breaks down or becomes blocked, glutamate levels outside cells increase, leading to cell death in the brain. This process underlies the damage in many brain diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. The aim of this project is to understand the mechanism of the glutamate vacuum cleaner so we can develop therapeutics to fix it when it breaks down.
Imaging The Machinery Of Bacterial Locomotion At Atomic Resolution
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,732.00
Summary
Our aim is to a) understand and b) sabotage the machinery of locomotion in bacteria. The flagellar motor propels bacteria at 100s of revolutions per second through viscous media making this the most powerful motor known to man. Bacteria can sense their environment and make informed decisions to avoid hazards or find food. Understanding how this machinery works in atomic detail is expected to have implications for both the development of new antibacterials and in the area of nano-medicine.
Structure, Function And Dynamics Of ATP Synthases And Rotary Proton Pumps
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$923,020.00
Summary
ATP synthase is the molecular machinery that converts energy derived from nutrients or photosynthesis into the universal biological fuel source ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This is one of the most fundamental processes of life and is conserved from bacteria to plants to humans. Understanding how ATP synthase and its relatives work in molecular detail is expected to have wide-ranging implications for both medicine (in understanding metabolic disorders) and the design of new antibacterial agents.
Assembly And Misassembly Of Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Complex I
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$520,520.00
Summary
Mitochondria are the powerhouses in our cells. They burn the carbon fuels we eat and store the energy by making ATP that is used for functions such as muscle contraction and triggering of nerves. Mitochondrial Complex I is a molecular motor that helps to make ATP. “Mitochondrial disease” is often seen when Complex I is not built properly and this results in early childhood death. In this project we will study how Complex I is built and how the mitochondria responds to assembly problems.
Regulation Of Inflammation And Coagulation By Microparticles Containing SerpinB2
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,133.00
Summary
SerpinB2 is a protein that is abundant during many types of inflammation. However, what this protein actually does remains an enigma. We have found that SerpinB2 is associated with microparticles; small particles found in everyone’s blood, that are used by cells to communicate with each other. We believe inappropriate levels of SerpinB2 on these microparticles change both inflammation and blood clotting; a contention with implications for several diseases including pre-eclampsia and cancer.
Investigating The Interaction Of Precursor Inner Membrane Proteins With Translocase Components
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$585,274.00
Summary
Proteins are synthesised on ribosomes located in the cellular plasm, and then moved to their site of action by specialised transport systems. Import of proteins to the mitochondria involves translocase pores, which come equipped with receptors and chaperones. We are investigating the targeting and transfer of newly synthesised proteins of the MCF carrier family from the ribosomal machinery to the inner mitochondrial membrane, focusing on interaction with chaperones in the intermembrane space.
Regulation Of Epithelial Sodium Channels By Caveolin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,391.00
Summary
Abnormal sodium absorption in the kidney, gut and lung is implicated in hypertension, cystic fibrosis and pulmonary oedema. Epithelial Na+ channels are a key component of the mechanism by which these organs absorb sodium. The project will investigate the mechanisms by which the activity of these channels is controlled and is intended to discover new approaches to treating abnormal sodium absorption.
The Role Of Intracellular Protein Trafficking In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder and is the most common cause of dementia. The development of therapies must be preceded by a thorough understanding of the molecular processes that underpin the disease. In this project we will examine the interactions between the Alzheimer’s precursor protein (APP) and the molecular machinery that controls its intracellular localization and breakdown to the toxic A? peptide that is central to disease pathology.
Membrane Attachment And Components Of The Ca2+ -triggered Release Mechanism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$386,498.00
Summary
Understanding and harnessing the fundamental cellular process of secretion will provide a wealth of new approaches to addressing problems associated with aging & disorders that are major health care burdens (e.g. neurodegeneration & diabetes). Understanding the vesicle docked state, and the contributions of different molecular components to the release process provides for unique insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms, thereby enabling safe, targeted control of this critical process.