Circulating Ceramides, Inflammation And Insulin Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,319.00
Summary
Ceramides are a type of fat that are stored in the body. When people store too many ceramides in their muscles and liver they no longer respond normally to insulin, which leads to the development of type 2 diabetes. Ceramide levels are increased in the blood of people with type 2 diabetes. The aim of the this project is to determine whether ceramides in the blood contribute to type 2 diabetes and whether reducing ceramide levels in the blood improves health.
Characterising The Physiological Roles Of The Asparaginyl Hydroxylase FIH-1 In Development And Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$274,743.00
Summary
FIH-1 is an oxygen-sensing protein expressed in every cell. The ability for cells to detect and respond to oxygen deficiency is necessary for survival in heart disease and stroke, and is also a feature of cancer. This research aims to characterise the role FIH-1 plays in normal development and disease using mouse and tumour model systems. This research could ultimately indicate whether FIH-1 is a feasible drug target.
Characterization Of A Novel Secretion And Attachment System Necessary For The Formation Of A Virulence Coat In Porphyromonas Gingivalis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$828,857.00
Summary
In this study we will characterize a novel bacterial secretion system that we have discovered. This system mediates the secretion of proteins from the bacterial cell and their attachment to the cell surface. This system is essential for the virulence of a bacterium associated with severe gum disease. The chacterization of this system may offer opportunities for the development of new treatments to target this disease.
Heterogeneity In Processing And Signalling By The Notch Family Of Receptors In Vascular Development And Remodelling.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,716.00
Summary
Formation and remodelling of the blood vessels is a critical feature of development. In addition, numerous disorders including psoriasis, arthritis, blindness, heart and brain ischemia, neurodegeneration, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, respiratory distress and osteoporosis among others are characterised by defective blood vessel patterning. The significance associated with understanding how Notch genes direct blood vessel formation is paramount, as this knowledge will inform future research.