Novel Methods To Diagnose Clinical Egg Allergy And Predict Prognostic Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Australia has the highest rate of food allergy in the world. Despite ongoing research into the area, there is currently no cure, with patient avoidance the most effective way to prevent food reactions. A food challenge is the gold standard for food allergy diagnosis. Although definitive, it is associated with a risk of anaphylaxis. My research aims to identify the biological differences between having food allergy and not having food allergy to develop novel diagnostic methods.
Fat Sensing In The Gut: Role In Appetite Regulation In Health And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$391,076.00
Summary
Dr Little has an international reputation for her research relating to the sensing of nutrients in the gut. During the next 4 years her goal is to establish herself as an independent researcher leading a team and program focussed on characterising the molecular and physiological mechanisms by which fat is sensed in the gut, and the role of these mechanisms in energy intake regulation in health and obesity. These insights are likely to result in more effective management strategies for obesity.
Hypothalamic Oxexin-synthesizing Neurons Regulate The Ultradian Basic Rest-Activity Cycle (BRAC); Studies In Transgenic Rats And Mice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$588,418.00
Summary
In the hypothalamus region of the brain there is a group of neurons that synthesize a neuropeptide messenger called orexin. In humans, malfunction of orexin neurons results in narcolepsy (abnormal sleepiness) and in disordered metabolism resulting in obesity. Our experiments, conducted in genetically-modified rats and mice, will elucidate the manner in which the orexin neurons integrate our behaviour (eg eating) with our physiological state (eg body and brain temperature, arterial blood pressure ....In the hypothalamus region of the brain there is a group of neurons that synthesize a neuropeptide messenger called orexin. In humans, malfunction of orexin neurons results in narcolepsy (abnormal sleepiness) and in disordered metabolism resulting in obesity. Our experiments, conducted in genetically-modified rats and mice, will elucidate the manner in which the orexin neurons integrate our behaviour (eg eating) with our physiological state (eg body and brain temperature, arterial blood pressure).Read moreRead less
Visualisation Of Functionally Activated Circuitry In The Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$347,036.00
Summary
We are seeking to develop a method to precisely determine which parts of the brain are involved in the carrying out of different brain functions. The main advantage of our new method will be that we will be able to directly visualise the circuitry involved in a specified brain function. The brain is like a vast computer, with literally billions of connections between different parts, and it is these connections which are used to form functional circuits, which ultimately result in the brain cont ....We are seeking to develop a method to precisely determine which parts of the brain are involved in the carrying out of different brain functions. The main advantage of our new method will be that we will be able to directly visualise the circuitry involved in a specified brain function. The brain is like a vast computer, with literally billions of connections between different parts, and it is these connections which are used to form functional circuits, which ultimately result in the brain control of bodily function. Up until now, there has been no direct way of being able to directly visualise which of those billions of connections are involved in the formation of a circuit for any particular brain function. We plan to use a genetic approach to help to visualise functionally activated brain circuits. We know that some genes are turned on in the nerve cells which are activated during a brain function. We will use this knowledge to generate a new line of genetically engineered mice. In these mice, the genes which are turned on during brain activation will in turn be used to turn on special markers which will light up the activated circuits. This will be of great signficance in our understanding of brain function. It should also help us to understand what happens to these circuits in different diseases of the brain, such as following stroke, in senility, and Alzheimer's disease.Read moreRead less
A Neurogenic Basis Of Obesity Hypertension: Role Of Adipokines And Ghrelin In Regulating Sympathetic Vasomotor Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,035.00
Summary
During the development of obesity, brain centres are inappropriately activated by factors such as leptin which are released by excess fat accumulation. This reults in high blood pressure. We seek to determine which chemical type of brain neuron is responsible for receiving these signals in a specific brain region in an animal model that closely resembles the human form of the disease. We will focus specifically on areas known to control the sympathetic nervous system.
Understanding The Sources Of Campylobacter In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$546,720.00
Summary
Campylobacter is a key cause of foodborne disease in Australia, with rates of illness amongst the highest in the world. Our project brings together academic, government and industry partners to harness new genetic techniques to better identify sources and risk factors for Campylobacter infection. The project will assist health agencies to include genomics in public health, with findings directly informing government policies and industry practices to minimise disease caused by Campylobacter.
Population Prevalence And Environmental-genetic Predictors Of Food Allergy In An Infant Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$551,642.00
Summary
This study will measure which children are at greatest risk of food allergy. We plan to recruit 5000 children to test for food allergies, as well as asking a range of questions on different lifestyle factors such as diet and history of allergies . If positive, participants will be invited to a hospital clinic for tests and treatment. This will allow us to describe the epidemiology of food allergy, and assist the development of better services for those with food allergy in the community.
The Role Of Novel And Essential Bromodomain Proteins In Coordinating Malaria Parasite Gene Regulation And Their Potential As Anti-malarial Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$689,034.00
Summary
Malaria kills over 400,000 people a year and new therapies are needed. Malaria parasites activate groups of genes by novel mechanisms that could be targeted by drugs. We will characterise a novel group of proteins to identify those that activate genes essential for parasite survival. We will also search for molecules that inhibit the proteins and kill malaria parasites. Thus we will discover how parasites control their genes and identify drug targets and inhibitors for drug development.
Immune Regulation During Uncomplicated And Severe P. Falciparum And P. Vivax Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$292,639.00
Summary
Malaria is a major global disease that kills over 1 million people every year. Immune responses induced during infection help fight the infection but can also cause tissue damage and thereby worsen disease. This study will determine differences in cellular immune responses during uncomplicated and severe malaria. Better understanding of the role of immune cells in response to infection and disease progression will assist the development of novel treatment interventions and vaccine development.