Interactions between systems that control sodium channels in renal epithelia [ 2001 - 2003 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof David Cook (Principal investigator) ,  Prof John Young

Brief description 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.

Funding Amount $AUD 227,036.72

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant