Osteocytes, the most abundant and long-lived, yet least studied bone cell, are increasingly recognised as key controllers of bone remodelling and are implicated in many bone diseases. Our work is uncovering novel molecular and cellular pathways by which osteocytes act and survive in bone, which is generally an oxygen-deprived tissue. This will provide a rational basis to seek improved treatments of bone disease.
Molecular Characterization Of V-ATPase V0 Domain Subunits E1 And E2 In Osteoclast
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$558,909.00
Summary
Osteoporotic fractures in the elderly are often linked to increased mortality rates. Excess bone resorption is a major contributor to the onset of the disease. The proposed project focuses on the investigation of the molecular mechanisms of acid secretion that is required for the bone degradation in body. The project will examine the role of the proton pump in bone resorption and seek potential targets for the treatment of osteoporosis.
The Role Of Osteocytes In Particle Induced Osteolysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,196.00
Summary
Hip replacements often fail due to the loss of adjacent bone. Metal or polyethylene particles are produced as the prosthesis bearing surface wears but how do these particles lead to bone loss? Our work suggests involvement of osteocytes within the bone mineral, which are increasingly understood to drive bone physiology and pathology. We will explore the role of the osteocytes by examining their response to particles, which may identify a new target to prevent particle-induced bone loss.
Vitamin E-bisphosphonate Conjugates: A New Therapeutic Approach Targeting Pathological Bone Loss Associated With Osteoporosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$471,984.00
Summary
Approximately 2 million Australians have osteoporosis, a disease which increases the risk of fracture and whose monetary and social costs are large and growing. The objective of this proposal is to exploit the osteotropic properties of novel compounds of vitamin E (VE) derivatives (BPVE) conjugated to bisphosphonates (BP), which will have anti-oxidant, anti-osteolytic and bone anabolic properties, and will be taken up selectively in the skeleton for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Identifying The Physiological Actions Of Calcitonin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$683,040.00
Summary
Calcitonin is a hormone whose main action has long been regarded as the slowing down of bone breakdown, however, its importance in human physiology is unknown. The aim of this study is to understand the role of calcitonin in regulating bone formation and protecting the skeleton in times of calcium stress, such as lactation. These results will greatly advance our understanding of the control of bone and calcium homeostasis, which will have implications for the treatment of bone disorders.
Effect Of A Four-food Elimination Diet In Children With Eosinophilic Oesophagitis – A Multi-centre, Randomised Controlled Trial And Investigation Of Disease Mechanisms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$538,792.00
Summary
Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EO) is a recently recognised form of allergic inflammation in the oesophagus. EO is increasingly common in childhood and often linked to food allergy. Its treatment in children mainly relies on complex elimination diets or a liquid elemental formula which may require tube feeding due to poor taste. This Australian multi-centre trial will assess the effects of a four-food elimination diet in children with EO and will investigate novel disease mechanisms.
Regulatory Roles Of Mast Cells In Cutaneous Dermatitis In Vivo
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,965.00
Summary
Allergic conditions that can affect the skin, such as contact dermatitis or eczema are common amongst Australians. Although not life threatening, these common skin conditions can cause considerable physical diability and be expensive to treat. The major focus of our research is to define how dermal mast cells can be modulated to help limit the tissue changes and damage associated with these skin conditions, and ultimately develop improved treatments in the future.
Effects Of Melanocortin Neurons On Systemic Glucose Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$860,251.00
Summary
There is good evidence that the brain can control blood glucose, but we do not know how this occurs, or why this doesn’t work in diabetes. This grant will use cutting edge mouse genetic technology to determine how the brain controls blood glucose, and what changes in diabetes. This grant will determine how several hormones act through the brain to change glucose levels, and will help develop new strategies to treat high blood glucose.
Improving Sexual Health In Men With Prostate Cancer: Randomised Controlled Trial Of Exercise And Psychosexual Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,416.00
Summary
Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common and distressing side effects of prostate cancer. Despite being a critical survivorship care issue, there is a clear gap in knowledge surrounding the optimal treatment of sexual dysfunction in men with prostate cancer. This project examines whether exercise aids in the management of sexual dysfunction and explores if an integrated treatment model incorporating pharmacological, exercise and psychosexual therapies maximises improvement in sexual health.
Identifying The Missing Heritability Of Breast Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$461,104.00
Summary
One of the strongest risk factors for the development of breast cancer is having a close relative with the disease. Some advances have been made in understanding the specific genetic factors that underlie this susceptibility but these known genetic factors only explain about a third of the overall familial effects. This research will utilise our prior research, international research resources, new technology and supercomputing to identify the majority of genetic factors associated with breast c ....One of the strongest risk factors for the development of breast cancer is having a close relative with the disease. Some advances have been made in understanding the specific genetic factors that underlie this susceptibility but these known genetic factors only explain about a third of the overall familial effects. This research will utilise our prior research, international research resources, new technology and supercomputing to identify the majority of genetic factors associated with breast cancer susceptibility.Read moreRead less