Distinct Populations Of Arc NPY Neurons Control Different Aspects Of Energy Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$843,340.00
Summary
Obesity is caused by an imbalance of energy intake and energy expenditure both of which are controlled by specific neurons in the brain. While different types of neurons important in these processes have been identified how they are organised and work in fulfilling the different functions is unclear. Here we aim to identify subpopulations of neurons that are responsible for specific tasks that would make them more specific targets for drug intervention with a reduced risk of side effects.
Identifying The Physiological Actions Of Calcitonin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$683,040.00
Summary
Calcitonin is a hormone whose main action has long been regarded as the slowing down of bone breakdown, however, its importance in human physiology is unknown. The aim of this study is to understand the role of calcitonin in regulating bone formation and protecting the skeleton in times of calcium stress, such as lactation. These results will greatly advance our understanding of the control of bone and calcium homeostasis, which will have implications for the treatment of bone disorders.
Cell-selective Deletion Of Brain AT1A Receptors In Hypertension: Effect On Blood Pressure, Increased ROS Production And Inflammation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$578,268.00
Summary
Angiotensin is important for normal regulation of blood pressure but is also involved in cardiovascular diseases. Interruption of angiotensin’s actions is a common treatment of these diseases. Functional deletion of angiotensin receptors decreases blood pressure. Surprisingly the site(s) in the body responsible for this decrease are not known. We will examine the role of angiotensin receptors in the brain in the control of blood pressure in health and in cardiovascular disease.
Control Of Neuropeptide FF Receptors On Appetite And Energy Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,281.00
Summary
Despite the alarming obesity epidemic, there currently exists no effective long-term treatment for obesity. Neuropeptide FF and its receptor NPFF2R have an emerging role in regulating food intake and body fat stores. Results from this study will show whether NPFF2R plays an important role in regulating appetite, metabolic rate, body weight and fat stores, thus help to identify whether NPFF2R-targeted therapeutics would confer significant benefit for the long-term treatment of obesity.
Epilepsy is a devastating disease with many patients poorly treated. We have identified a novel ion channel target in the brain that reduces seizure susceptibility. The aim of this proposal is to fully explore this target in a number of epilepsy mouse models using both pharmacology and molecular techniques.
Identifying Brain Pathways Responsible For Stress Induced Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$895,663.00
Summary
Obesity-associated diseases are leading causes of death and are expected to increase as the obesity epidemic worsens. New evidence also shows that stress, an ever-increasing factor of life, can when combined with high caloric food lead and accelerate the development of obesity. The results from this study will help to identify new agents that may help reduce body weight and fat mass particular under conditions of increased stress.
Molecular Characterization Of V-ATPase V0 Domain Subunits E1 And E2 In Osteoclast
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$558,909.00
Summary
Osteoporotic fractures in the elderly are often linked to increased mortality rates. Excess bone resorption is a major contributor to the onset of the disease. The proposed project focuses on the investigation of the molecular mechanisms of acid secretion that is required for the bone degradation in body. The project will examine the role of the proton pump in bone resorption and seek potential targets for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Epigenetic Regulation Of L1 Retrotransposition In Mouse Models Of Abnormal Human Neurobiology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$417,812.00
Summary
Retrotransposons are mobile genes that copy-and-paste themselves to spread in DNA. Until very recently, they were thought to only be active in sperm and egg. In our recent work, we demonstrated that they also move in the brain. In the current study, we will use cutting-edge technologies to determine how retrotransposons change the genetic makeup of neurons in neurodevelopmentally impaired mice to predict whether these mutations would also be present in human brain disorders.
Deciphering The Overlapping Roles Of SSB1 And SSB2 In The Regulation Of Haematopoiesis And Intestinal Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$996,631.00
Summary
Our work centres on elucidating the role of two newly identified and related single-stranded DNA binding protein (Ssb1 and Ssb2) in development of blood and gut system. When both genes are deleted mice die with 8 days of knockdown due to bone marrow failure and intestinal atrophy. Our double knockout model parallels the consequences of radiation damage on blood and gut system. Toxicity to these systems is a significant hindrance in delivering anti-tumor therapy.
Problems in learning, memory and other complex mental processes are common to many brain disorders. This project will study the impact of mutations on a family of genes reported in autism and schizophrenia, on complex cognitive behaviours using novel behavioural technologies. This will not only shed fundamental insights into the specific mental processes regulated by these genes and their role in disease, but importantly provide novel targets for the development of therapies.