Investigating Follistatin-based Interventions For Long Term-protection Against Frailty Associated With Chronic Illness And Aging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$987,169.00
Summary
Effective therapies are urgently needed to combat frailty arising from muscle wasting associated with chronic illness and aging. The proposed studies will investigate the prospects of developing novel short-term interventions that can confer long-term benefits for preventing and treating muscle wasting associated with chronic illness and advanced aging.
Is The Role Of IL6 In Metabolism Dependent On Its Cellular Origin?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$714,061.00
Summary
Interleukin-6 is a protein secreted from many cells in the body. For over 10 years, a great deal of research has been undertaken to determine if this protein is "good" or "bad" for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. We have evidence that IL-6 is both good and bad depending upon which cell produces it. We intend to fully explore this notion. This is most important to clarify the confusion amongst the field and because drugs that target the IL-6 receptor complex are in clinical development f ....Interleukin-6 is a protein secreted from many cells in the body. For over 10 years, a great deal of research has been undertaken to determine if this protein is "good" or "bad" for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. We have evidence that IL-6 is both good and bad depending upon which cell produces it. We intend to fully explore this notion. This is most important to clarify the confusion amongst the field and because drugs that target the IL-6 receptor complex are in clinical development for type 2 diabetes.Read moreRead less
Manipulating Store-operated Ca2+ Entry To Improve Muscle Function In Dystrophy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$516,163.00
Summary
Muscle function is regulated in a complex manner by calcium and is impaired in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Changes in calcium regulation will be investigated in DMD patients and in an animal model using a novel approach. We will use a combination of novel experimental approaches to manipulate muscles in dystrophic mice and test for improvement in function. Results will determine the viability of a potential treatment.
Role Of Nitric Oxide And Reactive Oxygen Species In Excitation-contraction Coupling In Skeletal Muscle.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$163,250.00
Summary
Excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling is a term used to broadly describe the sequence of cellular events that starts with an electrical signal at the surface membrane of a muscle cell and which then ultimately leads to muscle contraction. Although the overall sequence is known, there remain many gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms involved not only related to normal muscle function but to how this function may be impaired by excessive exercise and disease. Many cellular metabolites contr ....Excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling is a term used to broadly describe the sequence of cellular events that starts with an electrical signal at the surface membrane of a muscle cell and which then ultimately leads to muscle contraction. Although the overall sequence is known, there remain many gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms involved not only related to normal muscle function but to how this function may be impaired by excessive exercise and disease. Many cellular metabolites contribute towards the normal control of muscle contraction, while others contribute to its impairment. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which includes nitric oxide (NO) and related molecules, are metabolic factors often referred to as cellular oxidants. They are thought to have an essential role in controlling normal muscle function. Paradoxically, they are also implicated in the impairment of muscle function associated with fatigue, disease and aging. How these molecules both control normal muscle activity and also contribute to impairment of such function remains unclear. Thus, the central aim of this project is to identify the mechanisms by which the cellular oxidants, NO and other ROS, both control normal E-C coupling in skeletal muscle fibres and how they contribute to muscle fatigue. Clearly, understanding how skeletal muscle normally contracts is essential in order to better understand how muscle function can become impaired with exercise, disease and age. The work from this study will provide insight into both normal muscle physiology and how muscles fatigue and ultimately provide new methodologies and drugs that may combat fatigue, disease and age related changes to muscle function.Read moreRead less
Calcium signalling by intracellular calcium stores in rabbit, mouse and man: implications for muscle performance and athletic ability. This project addresses essential vital life functions such as respiration and movement and factors that determine whether muscles are better suited to weight lifting, endurance or sprint activities. The outcome will fill an information gap and provide therapeutic targets, significant in medicine, sports and veterinary science.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0882864
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$260,000.00
Summary
High Speed Fluorescence Imaging coupled with Total Internal Reflection Microscopy and Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching System. The addition of the TIRF equipment will provide researchers with access to one of Australia's most technologically advanced light microscopy systems. This system will support research across a number of high profile areas, and promote strategic collaborations in cell and neurobiology. The high resolution fast acquisition TIRF system will significantly enhance r ....High Speed Fluorescence Imaging coupled with Total Internal Reflection Microscopy and Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching System. The addition of the TIRF equipment will provide researchers with access to one of Australia's most technologically advanced light microscopy systems. This system will support research across a number of high profile areas, and promote strategic collaborations in cell and neurobiology. The high resolution fast acquisition TIRF system will significantly enhance research capacity and research excellence. Its acquisition will allow Australia to play a major role in the global challenge to advance understanding of cellular and molecular events, contributing significantly to the National Research Priority Area of Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries.Read moreRead less