Molecular determinants of amino acid-dependent signalling by the calcium-sensing receptor [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Arthur Conigrave (Principal investigator) ,  Arthur David Conigrave (Managed by) ,  Professor Arthur Conigrave (Managed by)

Brief description Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and an alternative energy source to carbohydrate and fat. Proteins are major structural components of our bodies. They also fulfil an amazing diversity of cellular and bodily functions acting, for example, as enzymes (biological catalysts), receptors, molecular chaperones and biological machines. Thus, amino acids are key nutrients and the human body has developed mechanisms for tightly regulating cellular responses depending upon their levels in blood. Identifying amino acid sensing molecules and identifying the mechanisms they use to control cellular responses is thus a key issue in human biology. The applicant identified the calcium-sensing receptor as an amino acid sensor and has shown that this receptor provides a means by which fluctuations in amino acid levels regulate the secretion of the key calcium-regulating hormone, PTH. In the current proposal, the mechanisms that link amino acid activation of the calcium-sensing receptor to its key cellular responses will be determined.

Funding Amount $AUD 566,035.22

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant