Promoting Intestinal Stem-cell Mediated Regeneration Following Damage: A Critical Role For Neuregulin 1
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$648,447.00
Summary
Diseases, infections and pathologies are common clinical problems of the intestine in humans that can lead to loss of intestinal tissue. Individuals with these conditions can experience nutritional problems and severe cases result in death. Promoting regeneration of the damaged tissue is critical to re-establish intestinal function. In this study, we will examine the regenerative potential of a growth factor called Neuregulin1 in the intestine with the aim of facilitating tissue regeneration.
Targeting Skeletal MTORC1 As A Novel Approach For The Treatment Of Diet-induced Insulin Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,979.00
Summary
Diet-induced insulin resistance is a pathology that underlies type 2 diabetes. Elucidating the pathways and tissues that contribute to this condition is crucial for drug development. The skeleton has emerged as a critical insulin target tissue. We provide evidence that suppression of mTORC1, a complex over-activated by nutrients, in bone cells improves insulin sensitivity. In this study, we will determine if blocking mTORC1 function in bone cells can treat diet-induced insulin resistance.
A Novel Portable System For Day And Night Closed Loop Automated Insulin Delivery In The Patient With Type 1 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$251,133.00
Summary
For patients with Type 1 Diabetes, improved glucose control has been shown to reduce the development of diabetes complications. Although advances have been made in therapy, most people with diabetes do not achieve optimal treatment targets and the burden of care is high. Technologies now exist that allow the development of automatic insulin therapy and the artificial pancreas. These experiments will test a novel portable system that represents a significant step advancing toward this goal.
Glycaemia-increasing Effects Of Sprinting In Type 1 Diabetes: Toward The Validation Of New Clinical Guidelines For Hypoglycaemia Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,323.00
Summary
Recently, we found that the risk of hypoglycaemia associated with moderate intensity exercise in type 1 diabetic individuals is opposed by one or several short sprints performed during or after exercise. Our goal is to examine if exercising several hours before sprinting decreases its protective effect, and whether sprinting may impair several hours later the counterregulatory responses to hypoglycaemia. Finally, we will determine if guidelines advocating the use of short sprints reduce the risk ....Recently, we found that the risk of hypoglycaemia associated with moderate intensity exercise in type 1 diabetic individuals is opposed by one or several short sprints performed during or after exercise. Our goal is to examine if exercising several hours before sprinting decreases its protective effect, and whether sprinting may impair several hours later the counterregulatory responses to hypoglycaemia. Finally, we will determine if guidelines advocating the use of short sprints reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia under free living conditions.Read moreRead less
Neuronal Copper Homeostasis And The Role Of The Alzheimer Amyloid-Beta Precursor Protein (APP)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$287,321.00
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is creating a growing burden upon Australian medical resources. Copper plays an important role in the development of AD and drugs designed to adjust brain copper levels are being tested for AD treatment and show therapeutic benefits. This project will determine how copper is involved in AD so that more effective drugs can be developed. Focus will primarily be on copper-binding proteins central to AD and establishing their role in AD development and progression.
Does Mitochondrial Metabolism In Neurons Act To Link Peripheral Metabolic State To Motivated Food-seeking Behaviour?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,697.00
Summary
Obesity, and its associated pathologies, is a major disease concern. The brain systems that regulate food intake and body weight break down under the strain of obesity and this creates a vicious cycle where failure to regulate metabolism promotes further weight gain. I am investigating how the mitochondrial enzyme CPT1c regulates these brain systems, and whether obesity impairs CPT1c function. Understanding CPT1c function in the brain will help us understand the causes of obesity and diabetes.