Relaxin action in the heart, kidney, lung and uterus: understanding fibrosis. Relaxin is a peptide hormone associated with pregnancy. We have recently generated a relaxin gene knockout mouse and exciting preliminary data show that without relaxin, non-pregnant mice develop signs of fibrosis in the heart, lung and uterus. Combining our expertise in molecular biology, pharmacology and physiology, the overall objective of this project is to investigate the functions and mechanisms of relaxin action ....Relaxin action in the heart, kidney, lung and uterus: understanding fibrosis. Relaxin is a peptide hormone associated with pregnancy. We have recently generated a relaxin gene knockout mouse and exciting preliminary data show that without relaxin, non-pregnant mice develop signs of fibrosis in the heart, lung and uterus. Combining our expertise in molecular biology, pharmacology and physiology, the overall objective of this project is to investigate the functions and mechanisms of relaxin action in these organs. Our findings will provide important basic information on relaxin physiology and enable us to implement a long-term partnership with Connetics to understand how relaxin regulates collagen production and/or the development of fibrosis.Read moreRead less
Relaxin: molecular mechanisms of action in the reversal of fibrosis. Defects in relaxin and relaxin receptors are increasingly implicated as a cause of fibrosis which is associated with many disease processes. This study will examine the molecular mechanisms linking relaxin and fibrosis and will determine whether relaxin can be used to reverse the condition.
Reproductive technologies for the conservation of a critically endangered marsupial, the Gilberts potoroo. The Gilberts potoroo is currently Australia's most endangered mammal (population total is less than 40). Natural breeding in captivity has not been successful so reproductive technology, especially artificial insemination, will be developed contribute to the survival of the species. This will involve detailed testing of techniques for semen collection and preservation, oestrus detection an ....Reproductive technologies for the conservation of a critically endangered marsupial, the Gilberts potoroo. The Gilberts potoroo is currently Australia's most endangered mammal (population total is less than 40). Natural breeding in captivity has not been successful so reproductive technology, especially artificial insemination, will be developed contribute to the survival of the species. This will involve detailed testing of techniques for semen collection and preservation, oestrus detection and artificial insemination, initially with the closely related Long-nosed potoroo. Once reliable protocols are developed, they will be applied to the Gilberts potoroo. If successful, this will be the first application of artificial insemination to increasing the numbers of a threatened species of marsupial in Australia.Read moreRead less
Early Nutrition and the Programming of Body Composition in Cattle. Australia is the worlds largest beef exporter with the net value of beef export valued at $4.6 billion. The economy of rural and regional Australia relies upon cattle production with the industry bringing a total value to these communities of $7.4 billion. Cattle production in remote Australia is becoming less viable as input costs of production increase relative to income earned and the beef industry is keen to transform produc ....Early Nutrition and the Programming of Body Composition in Cattle. Australia is the worlds largest beef exporter with the net value of beef export valued at $4.6 billion. The economy of rural and regional Australia relies upon cattle production with the industry bringing a total value to these communities of $7.4 billion. Cattle production in remote Australia is becoming less viable as input costs of production increase relative to income earned and the beef industry is keen to transform production methods. Protein is the major limiting nutrient in the Australian rangelands and this proposal will provide new information on how providing protein to cattle during critical periods in their pregnancy can 'program' the body composition of the growing calf to be optimal for the market.Read moreRead less
Nutritional and bacterial influences on gut and peripheral homeostasis. Nutritional and bacterial influences on gut and peripheral homeostasis. This project aims to understand the role of macronutrients on gut homeostasis. While the understanding of what factors affect gut homeostasis is still in its infancy, scientists know that its disruption contributes to a broad range of inflammatory diseases, including type 1 diabetes and asthma. This project will determine the role of specific macronutrie ....Nutritional and bacterial influences on gut and peripheral homeostasis. Nutritional and bacterial influences on gut and peripheral homeostasis. This project aims to understand the role of macronutrients on gut homeostasis. While the understanding of what factors affect gut homeostasis is still in its infancy, scientists know that its disruption contributes to a broad range of inflammatory diseases, including type 1 diabetes and asthma. This project will determine the role of specific macronutrients on gut microbiota, gut epithelium, and immunity in mice, and the receptors involved. This research could ultimately lead to significant decreases in the cost of healthcare.Read moreRead less
Novel anti-ageing peptides in the vascular system. The project will substantially improve basic understanding of the ageing process in blood vessels and provide scientific evidence to understand what preventative health care measures might work and why. It will also produce highly skilled and practically trained graduates, ready to contribute to the health industry.
Investigation of the function of Sel S a novel selenoprotein. The long term aim of this project is to find a way to prevent or delay the onset of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. ChemGenex pharmaceuticals, our commercial partners have discovered and patented a selenoprotein with antioxidant properties and have shown in vitro that it protects insulin-producing beta cells from oxidative damage. This project aims to prove, in an in vivo setting, that this protein can prevent or delay the onset of d ....Investigation of the function of Sel S a novel selenoprotein. The long term aim of this project is to find a way to prevent or delay the onset of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. ChemGenex pharmaceuticals, our commercial partners have discovered and patented a selenoprotein with antioxidant properties and have shown in vitro that it protects insulin-producing beta cells from oxidative damage. This project aims to prove, in an in vivo setting, that this protein can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes in mouse models of type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.Read moreRead less
Electric field effects on cochlear tissues. The project aims to solve the underlying biology of how electricity flows through the cochlear tissues, where and how electrical stimulation excites the auditory neurons, and what the effects of sustained electrical stimulation are on the nerve fibre growth and function. The research aims to show how electric fields can be controlled in the cochlea, and how auditory nerve fibres are affected at the cellular and molecular level. The long-term aim is to ....Electric field effects on cochlear tissues. The project aims to solve the underlying biology of how electricity flows through the cochlear tissues, where and how electrical stimulation excites the auditory neurons, and what the effects of sustained electrical stimulation are on the nerve fibre growth and function. The research aims to show how electric fields can be controlled in the cochlea, and how auditory nerve fibres are affected at the cellular and molecular level. The long-term aim is to utilise these findings to improve the control of neuronal excitability, for development of interfaces with the nervous system.Read moreRead less
Environmental Toxicology of Marine Turtles in the South Pacific Region. We propose to study pollutants such as pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and metals in sea turtles. Drs Whittier (UQ) and Henry Olszowy (Queensland Health Scientific Services) will supervise a Ph.D. student in the research. We will identify significant pollutants in Queensland, the Solomon Islands and Malaysia at sea turtle nesting and feeding grounds. We will follow the fate of chemicals in female turtles and t ....Environmental Toxicology of Marine Turtles in the South Pacific Region. We propose to study pollutants such as pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and metals in sea turtles. Drs Whittier (UQ) and Henry Olszowy (Queensland Health Scientific Services) will supervise a Ph.D. student in the research. We will identify significant pollutants in Queensland, the Solomon Islands and Malaysia at sea turtle nesting and feeding grounds. We will follow the fate of chemicals in female turtles and the effects of contamination on the development of eggs and hatchlings. This information will be used to help manage sea turtle populations and to contribute to sustainable use of the animals for a growing ecotourism industry.Read moreRead less