Molecular mechanisms for the cell-type specific regulation of the tissue-type plasminogen activator gene [ 2003 - 2005 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Robert Medcalf (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Magdaline Costa

Brief description Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) is an important enzyme that is widely known for its ability to remove blood clots. More recently, t-PA has been shown to influence memory development and under pathological conditions can promote neuronal cell death. t-PA is produced by many cells including the endothelial cells that line the blood vessels, fibroblasts, as well as cells within the central nervous system. The t-PA gene is regulated very differently in these cell types and this project will address the mechanisms underlying the cell-type specific regulation of the t-PA gene. Endothelial cells, fibroblasts and neuronal cell cultures will be used to study the regulation of t-PA expression. Information gained will not only add to the understanding of the broader field of gene regulation, but may also provide clues to manipulate the expression of the t-PA gene in different cells.

Funding Amount $AUD 490,500.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant