The PDZ scaffold NHERF-1; a novel regulator of astrocyte function? [ 2005 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Philip Poronnik (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Chris Yun ,  Prof David Pow ,  Prof Stefan Broer

Brief description Astrocytes are a vital cell type in the human brain. They provide nutrients to neurons, remove toxic chemicals such as glutamate (a neurotransmitter), as well as stabilising the levels of molecules such as water and ions such as sodium, bicarbonate and potassium. Astrocytes perform all these tasks by means of specialised protein molecules called transporters that are embedded in their cell membranes. These transporters are not uniformly distributed; they are positioned in those parts of the astrocyte membranes where the particular biological job has to be performed. How are they targeted to, and retained in these places? We have preliminary data suggesting that a specialised protein called NHERF-1, can bind a group of these proteins, called glutamate transporters, thereby anchoring them to the skeleton of the cell. If we are correct then we should be able to manipulate this interaction, both in live brain tissues, and in simple cell culture systems, using a variety of physiological and molecular biology techniques. If we are correct in our hypothesis, then our findings will have immense value in trying to reduce damage that occurs in human brains in conditions such as strokes, where a breakdown in the control of glutamate around neurons causes extensive and irreversible brain damage.

Funding Amount $AUD 444,500.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant