Protecting The Gut: A Novel Therapeutic Avenue For Reducing The Damaging Consequences Of Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,205.00
Summary
Most patients with obesity develop gut dysfunction. Symptoms including constipation and diarrhoea often present before other common comorbidities like diabetes and heart disease, suggesting that early pathology in obesity may begin in the gut. This research project aims to understand the mechanisms through which gut dysfunction develops in obese mice and human patients, and test a clinically approved compound that has demonstrated gut protective properties for the first time in obesity.
Targeting Vitamin-reactive T Cells For Enhanced Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,590,576.00
Summary
A specialised set of T cells called mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells react against bacteria and yeast, and reside at mucosal sites where the body's immune defences are often breached, e.g. respiratory tract and intestinal mucosa. This study seeks to define the molecular signals driving the function of MAIT cells, particularly during infections. This information may lead to methods tailored to manipulating MAIT cells therapeutically.
Controlling The Haematopoietic System To Treat Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,163,220.00
Summary
The Murphy laboratory studies how the body makes blood. In people with heart disease too much blood is made that quickens the progression of heart disease. Slowing the production of blood back to normal seems to slow this progression. In this project, they will discover how and why more blood is made and ways to limit this.