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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2002/00997

Aluminium detoxification and the role of silicon in a multicellular organism.

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Dr K White, King's College London, Nutritional Sciences
Co-Investigator:
Dr K Matthews, The University of Manchester, School of Biological Sciences
Co-Investigator:
Dr JJ Powell, University of Cambridge, Veterinary Medicine
Co-Investigator:
Professor CR McCrohan, The University of Manchester, School of Biological Sciences
Science Area:
Freshwater
Overall Classification:
Freshwater
ENRIs:
Pollution and Waste
Environmental Risks and Hazards
Science Topics:
Pollution
Ecotoxicology
Environmental Physiology
Biogeochemical Cycles
Abstract:
Silicon (Si) is a structural element of plants and unicellular organisms but its essentiality has not been shown in higher animals. We have shown that toxicity of aluminium (Al) to a freshwater snail is ameliorated following upregulation of endogenous Si and their co-localisation in digestive gland 'granules'. We hypothesise that a specific mechanism for detoxification of Al involves expression of Al-inducible proteins, mobilisation of Si and sequestration of aluminosilicate in granules. The project will identify: (i) the precise interaction of Al and Si within granules; (ii) mRNA and proteins expressed in response to Al, specifically Al- and Si-binding proteins and Si transporters. Our findings will characterise the involvement of Si in controlling Al toxicity, and show for the first time how Si may be exploited in multicellular organisms.
Period of Award:
3 Nov 2003 - 2 May 2005
Value:
£14,452 Split Award
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NER/A/S/2002/00997
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Standard Grants Pre FEC
Grant Status:
Closed
Programme:
Standard Grant

This grant award has a total value of £14,452  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

Total - T&STotal - StaffTotal - Other CostsTotal - Indirect Costs
£650£8,931£762£4,108

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