Discovering And Targeting Genes Regulating Skeletal Muscle Function, Metabolism, And Adaptations To Exercise Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Muscle wasting and decreased in mitochondrial function due to ageing or lack of physical activity are associated with reduced quality of life. The overarching aim is to develop a unique research program focusing on targeting specific genes, and to discover novel genes regulating muscle wasting and mitochondrial (dis)function. I anticipate this approach to assist in the development of targeted and personalised prevention and therapy for diseases associated with muscle (dis)function.
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.
Understanding The Metabolic Consequences Of Impaired AMPKa2 And NNOS� In Skeletal Muscle: Implications For The Metabolic Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$575,527.00
Summary
The inability of muscle to utilise sugar from the blood is a major problem that contributes to obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Since the number of people with these diseases will at least double by 2030, we need to find out what causes this problem. We will examine whether two muscle proteins that are impaired in obesity and Type 2 diabetes are also responsible for impaired sugar utilisation. We think that increasing these muscle proteins will fix the _sugar problem�, and remedy these diseases.
Uncovering Sex Specific, Epigenetic Biomarkers Of Healthy Ageing For Targeted Exercise Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,449,800.00
Summary
The aged population accounts for a significant, and increasing, amount of Australia’s health budget. We aim to uncover novel molecular biomarkers that slow the ageing process and maintain good health for longer. We will use innovative DNA and protein analysis to study the molecular ‘clocks’ of young and old populations and to test whether exercise can slow the ageing process. This will underpin the development of evidence-based biomarkers to be used in personalised health interventions.
Targeting Bone Marrow Lesions To Find Interventions In The Progression Of Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$467,395.00
Summary
It is essential to elucidate the underlying cause(s) of osteoarthritis because our current level of understanding of this condition has failed to produce effective treatments. Lesions in the bone under the cartilage (BMLs), seen using MRI, have strong potential value for the objective monitoring and management of OA. However, because the nature of BMLs is not well understood, the aim of this application is to perform a comprehensive study of BMLs in OA bone.
Playing it Safe: Psychological Safety and Mental Health for Community Sport. At a time when over half of all Australians participate in organised sports it is critical to ensure that these environments are psychologically safe. The problem is that community sports clubs have no clear guidance on how to fulfil this substantial responsibility. There have been urgent calls for the development of psychological safety and mental health guidelines which have yet to be answered. This project will deliv ....Playing it Safe: Psychological Safety and Mental Health for Community Sport. At a time when over half of all Australians participate in organised sports it is critical to ensure that these environments are psychologically safe. The problem is that community sports clubs have no clear guidance on how to fulfil this substantial responsibility. There have been urgent calls for the development of psychological safety and mental health guidelines which have yet to be answered. This project will deliver the knowledge to underpin effective psychological safety and mental health guidelines for community sports with national impact. When implemented, this knowledge will help sports clubs to provide a psychologically safe environment, and promote the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians involved in organised sports.Read moreRead less
Regulatory mechanisms in skeletal muscle lipid hydrolysis. The regulation of intramuscular triglyceride (fat) utilisation by human skeletal muscle is largely unknown. Our contention is that the specialized protein enzyme, hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), has a fundamental role in intramuscular triacylglycerol utilisation and is regulated by both intramuscular levels of key metabolites and circulating hormone concentrations. We also propose control points subsequent to HSL activation are important ....Regulatory mechanisms in skeletal muscle lipid hydrolysis. The regulation of intramuscular triglyceride (fat) utilisation by human skeletal muscle is largely unknown. Our contention is that the specialized protein enzyme, hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), has a fundamental role in intramuscular triacylglycerol utilisation and is regulated by both intramuscular levels of key metabolites and circulating hormone concentrations. We also propose control points subsequent to HSL activation are important for triglyceride hydrolysis. Our proposed project examines these factors and will enhance our understanding of the regulation of muscle fat use, thereby leading to potential metabolic strategies (nutritional, pharmacological) that enhance skeletal muscle function at rest and during exercise.Read moreRead less
Biological Role of Contraction-Induced Heat Shock Protein Expression. It is well known that mammalian skeletal muscle increases its expression of a group of highly conserved proteins, the heat shock proteins (HSP) in response to repeated contraction. However, the biological role of this expression is unclear. The aim of this project is to determine the biological role of contraction-induced HSP expression. We expect to show that HSP synthesis in response to exercise has three major roles; 1) to ....Biological Role of Contraction-Induced Heat Shock Protein Expression. It is well known that mammalian skeletal muscle increases its expression of a group of highly conserved proteins, the heat shock proteins (HSP) in response to repeated contraction. However, the biological role of this expression is unclear. The aim of this project is to determine the biological role of contraction-induced HSP expression. We expect to show that HSP synthesis in response to exercise has three major roles; 1) to act to repair damaged proteins in recovery from muscle injury 2) to act as a "molecular motor" to translocate proteins from one region of a muscle cell to another and 3) to be released into the circulation in order to act as a central signal to activate immune cells. Such a project will be significant because it will allow for a fundamental understanding as to why these proteins are produced in response to exercise. We expect to enhance our understanding of fundamental cell biology.Read moreRead less
Intracellular localisation of insulin signalling proteins in human skeletal muscle following exercise. The metabolic action of insulin in skeletal muscle is enhanced by exercise, but the underlying mechanisms mediating this are unknown. Insulin receptor substrate proteins are key mediators in the intracellular insulin signalling pathway and play a central role in regulating many metabolic events. Our aim is to examine the hypothesis that exercise induces a novel subcellular redistribution of the ....Intracellular localisation of insulin signalling proteins in human skeletal muscle following exercise. The metabolic action of insulin in skeletal muscle is enhanced by exercise, but the underlying mechanisms mediating this are unknown. Insulin receptor substrate proteins are key mediators in the intracellular insulin signalling pathway and play a central role in regulating many metabolic events. Our aim is to examine the hypothesis that exercise induces a novel subcellular redistribution of these insulin receptor substrate proteins in skeletal muscle, such that the metabolic action of insulin is enhanced. Elucidating the mechanisms whereby exercise enhances insulin action underpins the development of new treatments and therapies with the aim of improving skeletal muscle function in health and disease.Read moreRead less