Amino acid sensing mechanisms in human biology.

Summary

Amino acid sensing mechanisms determine how dietary protein regulates appetite and satiety, how feeding influences endocrine responses and how nutrition can direct cell fate in breast and prostate cancers.

Supervisor

Professor Arthur Conigrave.

Research location

School of Life and Environmental Sciences

Program type

PHD

Synopsis

We are funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council to study the mechanisms by which amino acid sensing receptors control hormone secretion, appetite and satiety, and cell fate. This offers opportunities for PhD topics in the following areas: determining how protein regulates calcium metabolism, determining how protein regulates body weight via satiety hormones e.g., cholecystokinin, determining how amino acid sensing mechanisms can be used to control cancer.

Additional information

Techniques used in the project: live cell imaging, BRET/FRET, alpha-screen assays of intracellular signaling; perifusion secretion assays, cell culture and transfection; RNAi; lenteviral infection; protein expression analysis, mutational analysis.

In addition to the academic requirements set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook, you may be required to satisfy a number of inherent requirements to complete this degree. Example of inherent requirement may include:

• Confidential disclosure and registration of a disability that may hinder your performance in your degree;
• Confidential disclosure of a pre-existing or current medical condition that may hinder your performance in your degree (e.g. heart disease, pace-maker, significant immune suppression, diabetes, vertigo, etc.);
• Ability to perform independently and/or with minimal supervision;
• Ability to undertake certain physical tasks (e.g. heavy lifting);
• Ability to undertake observatory, sensory and communication tasks;
• Ability to spend time at remote sites (e.g. One Tree Island, Narrabri and Camden);
• Ability to work in confined spaces or at heights; Ability to operate heavy machinery (e.g. farming equipment);
• Hold or acquire an Australian driver’s licence;
• Hold a current scuba diving license;
• Hold a current Working with Children Check;
• Meet initial and ongoing immunisation requirements (e.g. Q-Fever, Vaccinia virus, Hepatitis, etc.)

You must consult with your nominated supervisor regarding any identified inherent requirements before completing your application.

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Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 124