Investigating New Molecular Mechanisms That Contribute To The Establishment Of Epigenetic Silencing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,488,142.00
Summary
Epigenetic marks are changes made to the DNA which help genes to be switched off in some cells and switched on in others e.g. for elastin to be switched on in skin and off in blood. Epigenetic marks are critical to normal development. We are interested in the genes that are necessary to add epigenetic marks to the DNA and understanding how the many genes involved in this process co-operate at the molecular level to switch genes off.
Circadian Clock Regulation Of Dendritic Cell Metabolism And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
Immunological and metabolic parameters change with the time of day, and are known as circadian rhythms. These fluctuations are critical for host adaptation to the environment and anticipate any increased risks of tissue damage and infection that accompany changes in activity and feeding. How the molecular circadian clock influences innate control of adaptive immunity is unknown. We will investigate how circadian proteins influence immune function through their sensing of nutrient and metabolic
Altering Meal Times To Reverse The Metabolic Consequences Of Shift Work
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$735,715.00
Summary
Shift work disrupts the internal body clock, which increases the risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Our research demonstrates meal timing plays an important role in this metabolic disturbance. Data from animal studies suggests that the adverse consequences of shift work can be reduced by eating only during the day. This study will investigate if this also occurs in humans, potentially leading to a straightforward solution to reduce the burden of chronic diseases in shift workers.
I am a physiologist investigating the role of molecular rhythmicity in physiological systems. My work focuses on the impact of disrupted rhythmicity on metabolism, cancer and fertility at the cellular level and is of particular importance when considering
Utilising Functional Magnetic Imaging To Predict Pre-clinical Parkinson�s Disease In Patients With Idiopathic Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behaviour Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,712.00
Summary
In an ageing Australian population a rise in the number of people with neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD) is inevitable. The ability to accurately identify those people who are destined to develop such diseases, might offer a mechanism by which such progression could be aborted. This project will seek to identify a reliable method whereby cases of PD could be detected several years before they can currently be diagnosed.