Regulation of human arylamine N-acetyltransferase transcription, translation and protein stability [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Rodney Minchin (Principal investigator)

Brief description Individuals respond very differently to many drugs and other chemicals in the diet and workplace. This variation can be a significant complication in treating patients and in attempting to determine risk with exposure to toxins. Genetic differences between individuals are a common reason for this variation. However, many enzymes and other proteins in humans are controlled by environmental factors that can either increase their activity or inhibit it. In this study, we will investigate how the activity of an important family of enzymes (the acetyltransferases) varies between individuals as a result of environmental factors. We will look at the genes for each of the enzymes and learn about this control mechanism. We will also look careful at the structure of the proteins and determine how this may change when challenged with external stimuli. The expected outcome will be a better understanding of these important enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of many drugs, and also provide a means of determining how different individuals may respond to foreign chemicals and drugs that use these enzymes in the body for metabolism.

Funding Amount $AUD 470,958.64

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant