Functional characterisation of a new regulatory mechanism for CaMKII at synapses in vivo [ 2007 - 2009 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: E/Pr John Rostas (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Alistair Sim ,  A/Pr Phillip Dickson

Brief description CaMKII is an important regulatory molecule in the brain where it plays an essential role in certain forms of learning and memory and in the appropriate development and maturation of neural pathways and undergoes specific changes in animal models of brain ischaemia and epilepsy. Recent evidence has shown that, in nerve cells, the regulation and role of CaMKII is more complicated than previously thought. This project will investigate the roles of a new control mechanism in regulating the function of CaMKII in nerve cells. The experiments will involve an international team of collaborators using cutting edge techniques at the molecular, cellular and whole animal level. This will provide a more complete understanding of how CaMKII influences brain function and allow an assessment of whether CaMKII regulation might be a suitable target for drugs aimed at protecting against the damaging effects of brain injury following stroke or heart attack.

Funding Amount $AUD 547,315.08

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant