Grant: Project Grant

The control of ion concentrations in our cells is essential for life and defects are known to be associated with many human diseases (for example, heart disease & muscle wasting diseases). A family of membrane transport proteins known as the P-type ATPases play a major role in ion homeostasis. Many of these membrane ion pumps are under the control of 'micropeptides', small membrane proteins that regulate ion transport. These micropeptides allow cells to control and change ion concentrations depending on demand. For instance, micropeptides control calcium metabolism in the heart and skeletal muscle, and this changes in response to rest, exercise, or disease. Interestingly, related systems are found in all kingdoms of life, even pathogenic bacteria. Our lab is working to understand how micropeptides regulate P-type ATPases and control ion homeostasis. In this proposal, we have set out a plan to develop tools to allow us to measure the activities of transport proteins in complex with micropeptides, and to image the way these complexes regulate ion transport. The results of this work will provide insights into the natural ways that our cells maintain ion balance, and could suggest new ways to prevent or treat diseases associated with ion imbalances.