Building Evidence To Improve Health Through Optimal Diet
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
This research will focus on dietary patterns in population health across the life-course. We know little about how dietary patterns and their determinants vary across life and the impact of life-stage transitions on diet and health. This research will provide unique insights into dietary patterns of infants, children, young adults and older adults.
The proposed program of work aims to shed light on dietary, environmental and genetic factors that may be related to the risk of childhood cancers. Identifying these risk factors, and how they interact with each other, will provide clues as to how childhood cancers may be prevented. The research program includes a number of Australian and international studies, which will involve collaboration between doctors and research scientists from a range of disciplines.
Fat Sensing In The Gut: Role In Appetite Regulation In Health And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$391,076.00
Summary
Dr Little has an international reputation for her research relating to the sensing of nutrients in the gut. During the next 4 years her goal is to establish herself as an independent researcher leading a team and program focussed on characterising the molecular and physiological mechanisms by which fat is sensed in the gut, and the role of these mechanisms in energy intake regulation in health and obesity. These insights are likely to result in more effective management strategies for obesity.
Understanding The Link Between Mitochondrial Biogenesis And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,055.00
Summary
As the predominate energy producers of our cells, mitochondria are implicated in a variety of diseases. To function properly, these dynamic organelles rely on protein components that regulate their structure and distribution throughout the cell. My work aims to expand our knowledge of the way these components control mitochondrial shape and trafficking. By understanding the correlation between mitochondrial morphology and function, we will gain insight into related diseases.
This research will elucidate pathways in the brain that control satiety, in particular the role of neuropeptide Y and the satiety hormones peptide YY and pancreatic polypeptide. By understanding how satiety is controlled, this process could be stimulated for potential use as a novel treatment strategy for obesity or anorexia.