Award details

Molecular studies of intracellular signalling molecules

Reference	BBS/E/B/54001117
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Martin Bootman
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Babraham Institute
Department	Babraham Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	164,361
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1997
End date	31/03/2000
Duration	36 months

Abstract

Cell signalling depends upon a large array of interacting molecules many of which remain to be discovered. With regard to calcium signalling, there are a large number of channels and pumps that regulate the flux of calcium across both internal and external membranes. The influx of calcium is linked to the calcium content of the internal stores through a capacitative calcium entry channel. While many of these have been cloned there are others, particularly those concerned with calcium entry that remain to be identified. One of the aims of this project is to use molecular techniques to characterise how these different modules function to generate the complex spatiotemporal patters of calcium signalling. One of the important messenger functions of calcium is to stimulate gene transcription. Novel optical probes are being developed to detect and analyse gene expression in single living cells. Multidisciplinary: This project uses calcium imaging techniques to visualise the function of specific molecules. This work is relevant to the ASD of Technologies for Crop and Livestock Improvement as it will contribute to technologies related to both gene characterisation and genetic transformation. One of the genes being studied codes for the ryanodine receptor which is responsible for malignant hyperthermia in pigs. The project is also relevant to the H&LS Foresight priority relating to Drug Creation and Delivery because the new molecules being revealed will provide novel targets for the rational design of drugs to control calcium signalling. The likely benefits of this research will be to provide an integrated analysis of intracellular signalling. Research into these molecules will reveal new targets for drug design for processes such as malignant hyperthermia, immunosuppression, ischaemia, cancer and hypertension. Characterisation of these channels and understanding of their relationships to normal and abnormal metabolism will be essential to rational design of new therapeutic agents.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Biochemistry & Cell Biology (BCB)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

I accept the terms and conditions of use (opens in new window)

export PDF file

back to list new search