Mechanisms Of Intestinal And Systemic Iron Homeostasis In Early Infancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$485,835.00
Summary
Iron is essential trace element for normal health. Iron requirements are particularly high during early postnatal life to meet the needs of the growing infant. To accommodate these needs, intestinal iron absorption is extremely high at this time. We have previously shown that the iron absorption mechanism during suckling differs from that in adults and this project explores that mechanism in more detail. These studies have important implications for infant nutrition and dietary supplementation.
The lung in people with the genetic disorder cystic fibrosis (CF) contains increase amounts of iron, which promotes bacterial infection. In this research project we are using mouse models of CF and airway cells obtained from people with CF to investigate the underlying mechanism of abnormal iron regulation. We are also examining the therapeutic potential of compounds that interfere with the ability of bacteria to obtain iron to see whether this can overcome antibiotic resistance.
Using Nanotechnology To Improve The Therapeutic Efficacy Of Iron Chelators
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$692,769.00
Summary
Iron loading disorders (such as thalassaemia) represent an important class of human disease. As part of the treatment for these diseases, the iron needs to be removed and this is often done using iron-binding drugs known as iron chelators. Current chelators are not ideal due to side effects or onerous delivery methods. The goal of this project is to use nanotechnology to develop more effective ways of delivering chelators to improve their effectiveness and reduce toxicity.
Role Of Non-transferrin Bound Iron In Iron Overload Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$669,504.00
Summary
Plasma non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI) levels are elevated in iron overload disorders. Excess NTBI has serious health consequences as it is toxic and may induce cellular dysfunction and injury. We will investigate the molecular mechanisms by which NTBI transport is regulated, the contribution of NTBI to the development of iron overload and its impact on oxidative-mediated liver and heart injury in iron overload conditions associated with Hereditary Haemochromatosis and thalassaemia.
Dissecting The TMPRSS6 Regulation Of Iron Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,311.00
Summary
Iron overload and anaemia are two of the most significant health problems affecting humans. Understanding how the body regulates iron levels is key to our understanding of these disorders and to the future development of new therapies. This research is aimed at understanding how a hormone produced in the liver called hepcidin that maintains iron balance is regulated. This research may lead to novel therapies aimed at correcting the iron balance in conditions of iron overload or anaemia
Defining Iron And Haem-induced Pro-carcinogenic Pathways Of Colorectal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,277.00
Summary
Colorectal cancer is very common in Western society. Population studies have reported that high consumption iron-containing foods and red meat, the latter being a source of both haem and iron, are risk factors for colorectal cancer. This study will identify the levels of dietary haem and iron that promote colorectal cancer development. Also, it will determine the mechanisms and relative contribution of iron and haem to pro-carcinogenic pathways that result in colorectal cancer.
The Role Of Soluble Transferrin Receptor In The Regulation Of Iron Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$539,607.00
Summary
Iron is both essential for health and toxic in excess so the body very tightly regulates how much iron is absorbed from the diet. One of the most important regulators of dietary iron absorption is the iron demands of developing red blood cells. In this project we will investigate how developing red blood cells signal changes in iron absorption. An understanding of this process will be of great benefit in the analysis and treatment of important blood diseases and disorders of iron metabolism.
HFE-associated Steatohepatitis: Mechanisms And Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$650,813.00
Summary
Iron and fat alter normal iron metabolism and cause more severe disease in combination. In this study we will study the relationship between liver disease caused by increased body iron and the consumption of excess fat and the causal mechanisms. We will then examine new therapies for the treatment of iron-associated fatty liver disease.
Defining The Impact Of Universal Iron Interventions In Young Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial In Rural Bangladesh
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,794,373.00
Summary
Although nearly half of the world's young children are anaemic, evidence regarding the best approaches to correct this problem are limited. New data even suggests that the conventional approaches (iron supplements, multiple micronutrient powders) may even be harmful. We will perform the definitive trial which will confirm the existence and magnitude of any benefit (and harm) from these interventions in young Bangladeshi children. This trial will inform global policy on anaemia control.
There are currently no drugs available to prevent or slow deterioration in Alzheimer’s disease – which is a major incurable dementia. Our recent findings demonstrate that high brain iron levels worsen brain performance and cause people to develop Alzheimer’s disease at an earlier point in time. We propose a clinical trial of deferiprone, a drug that lowers brain iron levels, to determine if this would slow deterioration in Alzheimer’s disease once it is first detected.