Manipulation Of Energy Metabolism To Control Lipid Accumulation And Insulin Action.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$804,106.00
Summary
I am a metabolic biochemist investigating how overconsumption of calories, particularly fat, results in dysfunctional energy metabolism and increased the risk of type 2 diabetes. I examine changes in the daily rhythms of energy intake, energy utilisation and energy storage in different tissues of dietary and genetically modified animals to pinpoint novel ways of reducing fat accumulation and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
I am a cell /whole body integrative biologist determining the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to insulin resistance in insulin sensitive tissues such as skeletal muscle, liver and adipose tissue. My work primarily focuses on targeting inflammatory signalling cascades that lead to impaired insulin action, and pathways that enhance energy utilization.
Many dietary recommendations are inconsistent and based on inadequate research based on 1970s technologies. As a result, the current recommendations are almost impossible to meet from foods, without nutritional supplements. Using state-of-the-art technology, this research aims to redefine the nutritional requirements omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, iron and iodine, as well as the correct balance of energy producing macronutrients in the diet of mothers and their children.
Lipid Biology For Prediction And Prevention Of Psychotic Disorders And Persistent Depression In Young People
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,517.00
Summary
My vision for the next 5 years is to establish ?-3PUFAs as a first-line treatment for indicated prevention of psychosis and persistent depression, as an alternative to conventional antidepressants for the treatment of moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms in adolescents and to build capacity in this area by training the next generation of researchers.
The Roles Of Retinoic Acid Receptors In Regulating Haemopoiesis And Bone
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,484.00
Summary
My research has shown that vitamin A is very important to the normal function of blood and bone cells. I will further explore the uses of vitamin A products to improve the treatment of patients with a range of different blood and bone diseases. These studies may lead to better treatments of patients with a wide range of blood cell diseases. It may also reveal better treatments for patients with bone diseases such as cancer and osteoporosis.
Investigating The Mechanisms And Preventative Strategies To Alleviate The Burden Of Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$640,210.00
Summary
My research seeks to examine (i) the role of lifestyle, diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption and psychosocial factors, on risk factors for heart disease and stroke; (ii) elucidate the underlying mechanisms; and (iii) examine the developmental origins of heart disease and stroke within the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, which is one of the largest longest running longitudinal pregnancy studies in the world.
Improving The Outcomes Of Mothers And Babies Through Nutritional Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,409.00
Summary
Dr Makrides will undertake extensive investigations to determine optimal levels of a range of nutrients in the diet of pregnant women and preterm and term babies. The period from conception until 2 years after birth, the ‘first 1,000 days’, is designated by the World Health Organisation as the “window of opportunity” that is critical to ensuring a healthy start to life which in turn leads to improved long term health of the population.
Inhibitory Neurotransmitter Receptors As Therapeutic Targets For Chronic Pain And Anxiety Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,409.00
Summary
There are currently few effective long-term treatments for chronic pain and anxiety disorders. Here we propose to develop innovative therapies for both of these debilitating neurological disorders. In addition, we plan to improve our current understanding of how these disorders occur in the first place. This may identify novel potential therapeutic strategies for treating pain, anxiety and a host of other neurological disorders.
Prof Trevor Mori has held an NH&MRC Research Fellowship during 2008-2012. This grant will enable him to continue his research program into 2013-2017. Prof Mori is a biomedical research scientist. His research examines the role of diet and lifestyle on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. He also leads the cardiometabolic team examining risk factors in the Western Australian Pregnancy (Raine) Study.