Store-operated calcium channels and liver function [ 2002 - 2004 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Pr Grigori Rychkov (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Michael Roberts ,  Prof Greg Barritt

Brief description The liver is responsible for regulating the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids , the synthesis of proteins responsible for the transport of lipids in the blood, the synthesis of bile required for fat digestion, and for the removal of toxic chemicals from the body. Many of these processes are regulated by the changes in the free calcium concentration in the cytoplasmic space of liver cells. In a number of diseases such as diabetes, fat malabsorption, and liver failure, the balance and regulation of calcium concentrations in liver cells is abnormal. The cytoplasmic calcium signal can come either from the extracellular space, through channels in plasma membrane, or from the intracellular calcium-storing organelles. The aims of the present proposal are to investigate the properties of the calcium channels in the liver cell plasma membrane, and the mechanisms by which they are regulated. The experiments will involve the direct estimation of calcium inflow into liver cells, measured as an electric current through the plasma membrane by patch-clamp technique. The results should show how calcium channels in liver cells work and provide knowledge that can be used for better treatment of diabetes, fat malabsorption and liver failure.

Funding Amount $AUD 241,477.60

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant