The mechanism of pore formation by Membrane Attack Complex/Perforin-like proteins

  • Dunstone, Michelle (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI))
  • Saibil, Helen (Partner Investigator (PI))

Project: Research

Project Details

Project Description

The Membrane Attack Complex/Perforin (MACPF) superfamily of pore forming proteins includes a wide range of proteins distributed throughout all kingdoms of life. In the animal kingdom, MACPF proteins are involved in fundamental roles including immunity, venom toxicity, developmental biology and neurobiology.

In this proposal we aim to determine how MACPF proteins interact with membranes, how the proteins interact with one another to make a doughnut-shaped complex and then how this structure can punch a hole in the target cell membrane.

These data will afford seminal insight into how MACPF proteins perform their physiological roles and how these functions can be controlled, for example during immune driven disease.
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date3/01/12 → 31/12/14

Funding

  • Australian Research Council (ARC): A$280,000.00
  • Monash University