Regulation Of The Activity And The Surface Expression Of Sodium Channels
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,980.00
Summary
The regulation of transport of salt into and out of the body is essential for the maintenance of blood pressure, and for the maintenance of the correct amount of fluid in the respiratory passages and gut. A critical component of the mechanism by which the body transports salt are sodium channels. Overactivity of these channels leads to increased blood pressure and clogging of the gut and the bronchi due to thick and sticky secretions. Reduced activity leads to abnormally low blood pressure, as w ....The regulation of transport of salt into and out of the body is essential for the maintenance of blood pressure, and for the maintenance of the correct amount of fluid in the respiratory passages and gut. A critical component of the mechanism by which the body transports salt are sodium channels. Overactivity of these channels leads to increased blood pressure and clogging of the gut and the bronchi due to thick and sticky secretions. Reduced activity leads to abnormally low blood pressure, as well as to accumulation of fluid in the lungs such as occurs in influenza and in altitude sickness. The present project will examine the mechanisms by which sodium channels are regulated. It will particularly focus on the mechanisms by which sodium channels are switched off when the salt content of cells is too high.Read moreRead less
A Novel And Unique Protein I-body For The Treatment Of Chronic Kidney Disease Through Targeting CXCR4
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$768,340.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem, with adverse outcomes of kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. Kidney transplantation and dialysis are the only options for the management of CKD, which results in a significant burden on the health system. The central aim of this project is to develop a novel therapeutic strategy to limit/reverse CKD, which will lead to a researcher-industry partnership in discovery of novel therapeutic agent.
The Role Of Tissue Hypoxia In The Evolution Of Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$509,391.00
Summary
We will determine how low oxygen levels in the kidney lead to kidney disease. We can now measure the levels of oxygen in kidney tissue in rats 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in a completely non-invasive way. We will study two common kinds of kidney disease. One, acute kidney injury, can result from administration of contrast agents used in x-ray diagnostic procedures. The other, chronic kidney disease, is common in patients with diabetes or high blood pressure.
Interactions Between Systems That Control Sodium Channels In Renal Epithelia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$227,036.00
Summary
The transport of sodium ions by the kidney, gut and lungs not only regulates blood pressure, it also regulates the amount of fluid in the gut and in the lungs. One of the most important proteins that underlie the transport of sodium in these tissues is the so-called epithelial sodium channel. The activity of these epithelial sodium channels is regulated by a wide variety of systems. Some of these regulatory systems act in response to changes in the body's requirements for sodium transport. Other ....The transport of sodium ions by the kidney, gut and lungs not only regulates blood pressure, it also regulates the amount of fluid in the gut and in the lungs. One of the most important proteins that underlie the transport of sodium in these tissues is the so-called epithelial sodium channel. The activity of these epithelial sodium channels is regulated by a wide variety of systems. Some of these regulatory systems act in response to changes in the body's requirements for sodium transport. Others act in response to changes in capacity of cells in which the sodium channels are found to continue transporting sodium. In this project we will study the mechanisms that regulate the activity of the epithelial sodium channels, and in particular, how these mechanisms interact so as to maintain a level of sodium channel activity that is appropriate to both the needs of the organism and to the needs of the sodium transporting cells. The outcomes of this project will be improved understanding of the function of the kidney, gut and lungs in both health and disease. It may also lead to novel drug targets for treatment of major diseases in which the activity of sodium channels is abnormal. These disease include hypertension, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary oedema and influenza.Read moreRead less