Exploring molecular mechanisms underpinning nutrient transport in the brain. Cells from all life forms are separated from their environment by lipid membranes, but to survive, they also need to exchan

Description

Exploring molecular mechanisms underpinning nutrient transport in the brain. Cells from all life forms are separated from their environment by lipid membranes, but to survive, they also need to exchange molecules such as nutrients with the environment. Nature solves this problem by embedding transport proteins into membranes to guide molecules into and out of the cell. These transport proteins are vital for a plethora of physiological processes and regulate nearly all aspects of cell function. The outcomes of this study will reveal new and fundamental knowledge of how these proteins work in the brain, and enhance our understanding of the brain’s core infrastructure. This project will benefit structural biology and biophysics training, and yield new insights of fundamental importance to human physiology.. Scheme: Discovery Early Career Researcher Award. Field: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Lead: Dr Rachel North