Role Of PAK1 In Colorectal Cancer Growth And Metastasis Regulated By Gastrins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$460,070.00
Summary
Increased level of PAK1(a protein kinase) was associated with the progression of colorectal (large bowel) cancer (CRC). Gastrin peptides are growth factors responsible for CRC development. The objective of this project is to determine the role of PAK1 in the regulation of CRC growth and metastasis by gastrin peptides. We will use cell culture, animal models and clinical samples in the program. A successful outcome will lead to the development of new CRC therapies such as inhibitors of PAK1.
MKP-1 As A Novel Anti-inflammatory Strategy In Asthma And Airway Remodelling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$461,528.00
Summary
Asthma is a chronic disorder where airways are remodelled, or thickened, resulting in poor lung function. Airway remodelling is a consequence of long-term inflammation after multiple episodes of asthma. As the current drugs to treat remodelling have side effects, the aim of this grant is to investigate a novel anti-inflammatory strategy to reverse the development of airway remodelling by increasing the anti-inflammatory protein - MKP-1.
Inhibition Of AMPK Signalling As A Strategy For Decreasing Appetite
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$644,266.00
Summary
The enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has previously been implicated in mediating increased food intake in response to fasting and the appetite-inducing hormone ghrelin. In this study we propose to investigate whether inhibition of AMPK has promise as a strategy to reduce hunger in the context of dietary restriction and increases in energy expenditure, such as exercise. We will also test whether a new AMPK inhibitor has the potential to reduce appetite signalling in cells and in mice.
Understanding The Importance Of Lipid Metabolism In Mediating The Anti-diabetic Effects Of Metformin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,892.00
Summary
Obesity is a major cause of adult onset Type 2 diabetes. This project is investigating the mechanism of action of the glucose lowering drug metformin on fat metabolism. We are investigating whether the regulation of two enzymes, involve in fat synthesis and the burning of fat respectively that are important for metformin�s action. Through this research we hope to improve on the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
AMP-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) In Acute Renal Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,523.00
Summary
Acute renal failure is a common complication of any severe illness. Generally, it is the lack of blood flow, or food that leads to this problem. People who are ill are unable to provide adequate blood flow to their kidneys, so the kidneys become diseased and fail to function. This can be fatal. There are, however, mechanisms in the kidney that are designed to avoid this shortage of energy. The aim of these studies is to find out what these protective mechanisms usually do in the kidney, and unde ....Acute renal failure is a common complication of any severe illness. Generally, it is the lack of blood flow, or food that leads to this problem. People who are ill are unable to provide adequate blood flow to their kidneys, so the kidneys become diseased and fail to function. This can be fatal. There are, however, mechanisms in the kidney that are designed to avoid this shortage of energy. The aim of these studies is to find out what these protective mechanisms usually do in the kidney, and understand why they are not more active. We hope to find ways to switch them on earleir, using drugs, so as to protect the kidneys from injury.Read moreRead less
The key goal of my research is to understand the role of protein phosphorylation in controlling metabolism, with a special emphasis on the structure and function of members of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. This is important because the function and survival of all organisms is dependent on the dynamic control of energy metabolism, with energy demand matched to energy supply.
Targeted Development Of AMPK Β2-isoform Allosteric Activators
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$898,147.00
Summary
Sedentary lifestyles and consumption of high energy foods has led to dramatic increases in the incidence of diseases associated with metabolic dysregulation e.g. type 2 diabetes. An attractive drug target to treat these diseases is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which functions as a cellular fuel gauge. We have discovered a new drug that crucially activates the form of AMPK found in metabolically active organs. We aim to develop this drug to unlock new therapeutic opportunity.
Neuroprotective Functions Of Autophagy Regulators In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$434,644.00
Summary
The accumulation of the beta amyloid protein has a central role in AD and enhancing its removal improves memory loss in animal AD models. This project builds on my recent finding of regulators of a cell housekeeping system, “autophagy” which accelerate removal of beta amyloid in cells. This study will advance knowledge into the protective functions of the autophagy regulators in reducing AD symptoms. Findings from this work might provide the basis for developing effective anti-AD therapeutics.