I am a nutritional scientist with a research focus on gastrointestinal function and energy intake regulation in humans. The aim of my research is to understand (1) how any changes in gut function in obesity derail the appetite-regulatory and, thus, reinforce weight gain, ans (2) the role of gut function in the pathophysiology of digestive symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia.
I am a reproductive biologist whose research is focussed around understanding how the early events of conception and embryo development are controlled. Critical aspects of my research are to determine the consequences to pregnancy and adult health if the
Prof Mackay, through this Australia Fellowship, proposes to gain new knowledge on immune responses, by exploring these radical new ideas on inflammation and the role of diet and gastro-intestinal microflora. In addition, he hopes to develop new treatments for human diseases, by integrating new and powerful technologies and approaches for the generation of bio-therapeutics. Finally, genetically engineered mice will be pivotal in this process, and will enable the discovery of a new generation of m ....Prof Mackay, through this Australia Fellowship, proposes to gain new knowledge on immune responses, by exploring these radical new ideas on inflammation and the role of diet and gastro-intestinal microflora. In addition, he hopes to develop new treatments for human diseases, by integrating new and powerful technologies and approaches for the generation of bio-therapeutics. Finally, genetically engineered mice will be pivotal in this process, and will enable the discovery of a new generation of medicines not possible a couple of years ago. The Australia Fellowship will draw on considerable cross-discipline interactions, to produce powerful new directions in medical research. For instance, there is considerable evidence, but poor understanding, of how the immune system is regulated by metabolism or the role of stem cells in tissue remodelling associated with inflammation, or the delicate interplay between the immune system and cancers.Read moreRead less
I am an immunologist working on the molecular basis of immune responses, particularly inflammatory responses. My research also focuses on mechanisms of cell migration, and cytokines and chemokines for immune responses. My research also has considerable re
Through the Australia Fellowship Prof Mattick will lead a team of researchers to explore the scientific and applied dimensions of the thesis that the human genome is not largely comprised of evolutionary debris, but encodes an extraordinarily sophisticated information suite that is largely transacted by RNA. The work will include examination of the expression patterns on noncoding RNAs in different tissues and cells and different disease states, exploration of the location and dynamics of RNAs a ....Through the Australia Fellowship Prof Mattick will lead a team of researchers to explore the scientific and applied dimensions of the thesis that the human genome is not largely comprised of evolutionary debris, but encodes an extraordinarily sophisticated information suite that is largely transacted by RNA. The work will include examination of the expression patterns on noncoding RNAs in different tissues and cells and different disease states, exploration of the location and dynamics of RNAs associated with DNA and various proteins to determine how these RNAs influence gene expression, targeted functional analyses of selected subsets of these RNAs to determine their biological function as proof-of-principle for others, exploration of the roles of RNA editing proteins, and testing of the hypothesis that RNA-directed DNA recoding might underpin memory formation. If correct, the results of the project will transform our understanding of human biology, development, and brain function, and create an enlightened framework for future research into human health and disease.Read moreRead less
I am a neurophysiologist interested in brain regulation of homeostatic and autonomic functions in health and disease. I am endeavouring to discover the brain pathways for these vital functions, and to translate my findings from animal research to humans.
Connections between nerve cells in the brain often occur onto enlarged protrusions called dendritic spines. This proposal will investigate the properties of dendritic spines, and relate differences in spine properties to synaptic plasticity. This information can be used to better understand and treat neurological disorders associated with spine malfunction, as occur in some forms of mental retardation, and may help with understanding the memory loss that occurs during ageing and dementia.