Circulatory Biomarkers For Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Improving Patient Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$841,625.00
Summary
We are going to find molecules in the blood that would improve the diagnosis and treatment of a lung condition called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). The project brings together well characterized patients from the Australian IPF registry, blood samples we have collected from them and cutting edge technologies to complete this project.
I am a developmental lung physiologist who specialises in understanding the factors regulating normal and abnormal lung development as well as the physiological transformation of the lung into an efficient gas-exchange organ at birth.
The Link Between Vitamin D Deficiency And Chronic Lung Disease Is Due To Increased Airway Smooth Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$644,067.00
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health problem. It is becoming increasingly evident that vitamin D deficiency increases the severity of chronic lung disease. In this study we propose to examine a mechanism that we think clearly explains this association. These studies are critical to understanding how deficiencies in key nutrients can impact on chronic lung disease and will provide the data necessary to guide public health policy to reduce the burden of disease in the community.
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.