Decrypting The Excitation Contraction Coupling Machinery In Skeletal Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$914,869.00
Summary
Skeletal muscle function is dependent upon the fine control of calcium levels. When communication of key proteins in muscle are compromised, calcium levels are uncontrolled leading to severe disabilities. The molecular pathways that control signalling between key muscle proteins is currently unknown and shedding light on this topic will aid in the discovery of therapies for muscle-associated disabilities in disease and with aging.
Regulation Of Skeletal Muscle AMP-activated Protein Kinase By Glycogen
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$561,558.00
Summary
The enzyme AMP protein kinase has three parts (subunits) and is central to controlling the body's metabolism. We have discovered that one subunit is essential for tightly associating the enzyme with muscle glycogen which is a source of high energy and efficient metabolism. We will identify where the enzyme attaches to glycogen, and how diet and exercise alter this association. Understanding this could lead to new approaches for treating Type 2 diabetes where energy metabolism is disrupted.
A Single Fibre Approach To The Study Of Regulation Of Protein Synthesis In Skeletal Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,039.00
Summary
Skeletal muscle is the most abundant tissue in the human body and accounts for more than 40% of body weight. Loss of muscle mass is a major cause of frailty and loss of functionality in the elderly and is also a common feature of many chronic diseases such as cancer, HIV, arthritis and chronic heart failure. Changes in protein synthesis are intrinsically associated with alterations in muscle mass, which is integral to health, physical performance and independent living. In this project we aim to ....Skeletal muscle is the most abundant tissue in the human body and accounts for more than 40% of body weight. Loss of muscle mass is a major cause of frailty and loss of functionality in the elderly and is also a common feature of many chronic diseases such as cancer, HIV, arthritis and chronic heart failure. Changes in protein synthesis are intrinsically associated with alterations in muscle mass, which is integral to health, physical performance and independent living. In this project we aim to answer some important outstanding questions regarding the regulation of protein synthesis in mammalian skeletal muscle using a novel, single cell approach. Results obtained within the framework of the project will contribute to the understanding of the regulation of cellular and molecular events underpinning protein synthesis in muscle, which is critical for developing effective strategies of treatment and management of various medical conditions to prevent muscle wasting.Read moreRead less
Identification Of The Molecular Mechanisms By Which Mutations In FHL1 Lead To Protein Misfolding And Skeletal Muscle Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,424.00
Summary
Skeletal muscle diseases result in debilitating muscle loss and may result from an error (mutation) within a gene. Mutations in FHL1 were identified as the cause of four different muscle diseases. Using purified FHL1, skeletal muscle cells and animal models we will investigate how FHL1 mutations cause muscle wasting, and loss of muscle strength.
Protein Absorption And Kinetics In Critical Illness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,233,268.00
Summary
This experienced & productive group plan to perform a number of interrelated studies in patients with critical illness the aim of which will be to ascertain protein absorption & kinetics, & the relationship between protein intake & muscle physiology. The goal is to lay the groundwork for an understanding of protein in the nutritional support of these patients which will help us to later establish the optimum amount & type of protein to improve muscle strength, functional outcomes & survival.
Characterisation Of The Pathogenesis Of FHL1 Myopathies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$748,652.00
Summary
Skeletal muscle is the most abundant tissue in the body and dynamically capable of responding to many environmental stresses. A key cellular process that has developed in muscle to facilitate adaptive responses is autophagy, a mechanism that facilitates the degradation and recycling of cellular debris. Defects in autophagy cause muscle disease. In this study we will identify a novel gene that regulates autophagy and will investigate how mutations in this gene cause muscle disease.