A Multi-faceted Intervention To Enhance Cognition In Older People At Risk Of Cognitive Decline
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,224.00
Summary
There is an urgent need to investigate interventions which could reduce the number of people living with dementia in the future. This research aims to improve cognition in older people, experiencing early signs of memory decline, using a multi-modal exercise program combined with dietary supplements. Findings from this research will contribute to primary and secondary dementia prevention approaches.
Autocrine Vitamin D Metabolism, Activity And Bone Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,270.00
Summary
This project will provide the detailed understanding of the activities of vitamin D within the bone microenvironment and offers the exciting prospect of elucidating the mechanistic reasons for maintaining an adequate vitamin D status in relation to the prevention of osteoporotic hip fractures. Thus, this project has great potential to improve community health by being able to recommend vitamin D supplementation made on the basis of maintaining normal bone cell function.
Vitamin D And Genetic Susceptibility In Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Vitamin D3 levels appear to predict clinical status in multiple sclerosis. The reasons for this are unclear, but may be linked to the effect of the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) on a subset of immune cells. This project aims to identify key genes which are regulated by this receptor, by using specific gene sequencing technologies combined with knowledge of the genes which confer risk of developing MS. This may help to identify the molecular pathways underlying MS and potential treatment strategies.
The Regulation Of Vitamin D-Dependent Bone Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,535.00
Summary
This project aims to establish the cellular basis for the importance of vitamin D in bone. This information is necessary to develop public health nutritional recommendations for improving in skeletal health and reducing the incidence of hip factures in the elderly. Furthermore our data have the potential to reveal novel activities of vitamin D that could eventuate as pharmacological targets.
Roles Of Vitamin D In Skeletal Muscle And Satellite Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,891.00
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency leads to muscle pain and weakness that are reversible with vitamin D supplementation. However, precise biological effects of vitamin D in skeletal muscle are unclear. In this fellowship, novel mouse models and innovative techniques will be used to examine vitamin D signalling pathways in whole muscle and muscle stem cells. Ultimately, the therapeutic potential of the vitamin D pathway in treatment of muscle disorders and age-related muscle wasting will be explored.