This study aims to elucidate central pathways which can be manipulated to drive the storage of excess energy away from fat and instead directing it into the production of bone mass. Having identified leptin-responsive NPY neurons as important in the control of energy partitioning, we will focus on manipulating these neurons in the hypothalamus using innovative technology to alter body composition. This research has the potential to result in novel treatments for obesity and osteoporosis.
Progesterone Receptor-mediated Coordination Of Oocyte-oviduct Communication During Ovulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,128.00
Summary
Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples, often due to failed release of an egg from the ovary. The hormone progesterone is essential for this process. Our goal is to determine how progesterone signals the egg to ensure its correct release into the oviduct where fertilization may occur. To identify these signals, experiments will analyse ovary cells and eggs of mice, including mice that do not respond to progesterone. The results will provide much needed information about female reproductive health.
Characterisation Of Erusiolin - A New Peptide Hormone
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,202.00
Summary
Obesity and type II diabetes are epidemic diseases in Australia. Gut-derived hormones are key mediators in these diseases, due to their role in regulating appetite and blood glucose levels. Therapeutic modulation of these hormones also provides significant benefits for patients. In this proposal, we will determine the metabolic functions, such as appetite control, for a previously uncharacterised hormone, which is an unexplored therapeutic target for obesity and diabetes.
Feeding Behaviour And Obesity Development: Identification Of Novel Intervention Points
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$923,668.00
Summary
Appetite and food intake is regulated by specific neuronal structures in the brain. The most important area is the hypothalamus from which many neuronal pathways originate to control specific aspects of feeding behaviour and energy usage in the brain and the rest of the body. To better understand the contribution individual neuronal populations make to drive excess food intake we propose a new approach to identify this, making new treatment options for eating disorders and obesity possible.
Transgenerational Effects Of Male Obesity - Mechanisms And Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$829,143.00
Summary
Childhood obesity is associated with obesity in either parent, and obese children tend to become obese adults, forming an intergenerational cycle that promotes obesity. We have identified paternal obesity as an important novel target for intervention to stop the progression of the obesity epidemic. This project investigates supplementation of obese fathers with folate to prevent the adverse impact of paternal obesity on subsequent generations.
Functional Nano-cement Scaffolds For The Treatment Of Osteoporotic Bone Defects
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
Osteoporosis affects 1.2 million Australians and will cost $33.6 billion by 2022. This study aims to develop a novel nano-cement platform for custom-designed bone repair in osteoporosis, by using purpose-designed nanomaterials and advanced 3D printing technique. The research findings will lead to the development of a new bone repair strategy, expand knowledge on both biomaterials engineering and osteoporosis treatment, and improve the quality of life of Australians.
The Role Of Stem-progenitor Cells In Regeneration Of Mouse Endometrium.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,938.00
Summary
The endometrium (lining of the uterus) undergoes breakdown and re-growth each month as part of the menstrual cycle. This restorative process is not well understood. For the first time stem cells have been identified within human endometrium that are likely to be responsible for its remarkable regeneration. The aim of this project is to identify stem cells within the mouse endometrium, to use as a model to understand how the endometrium restores each month after menstruation.
We have discovered a single tumour factor which causes cancer cachexia, a wasting condition that is one of the worst complications of malignancy, for which there is no current effective treatment. We have developed antibodies which effectively block this condition in preclinical models and have produced human/humanised version of this. This application is to characterise these human antibodies to allow us proceed to clinical trials.
Central Neural Circuits Subserving Nutrient–activated Thermogenesis - The Basis Of Post Prandial Energy Expenditure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$766,207.00
Summary
Studies of “energy burning” brown fat, including its importance in the determination of obesity in humans and the potential to increase its capacity by turning white fat into brown-like fat are currently foremost in obesity research. Here we study the detail of brain pathways that dictate brown fat activity after a meal resulting in the burning of ingested calories and reduction of body weight. The results will give us a better idea of how we can harness brown fat to combat obesity.
Ensuring The Utility And Sustainability Of Tissue Banks: Supporting Translational Research In Australia Through Informed Regulation And Community Engagement.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$481,885.00
Summary
Tissue banks provide a critical resource for translational research into the causes and treatment of many diseases affecting children and adults, such as cancer.Their success and contribution to medical research depends on addressing the many unresolved and emerging challenges that impact their work. This is the first national empirical study engaging the Australian research community, legal experts tissue donors and the public about the challenges to tissue banks to inform ethico legal regulati ....Tissue banks provide a critical resource for translational research into the causes and treatment of many diseases affecting children and adults, such as cancer.Their success and contribution to medical research depends on addressing the many unresolved and emerging challenges that impact their work. This is the first national empirical study engaging the Australian research community, legal experts tissue donors and the public about the challenges to tissue banks to inform ethico legal regulation and deliver better health care systems.Read moreRead less