Endocrine signalling from bone cells in the regulation of glucose and energy homeostasis. Osteoporosis, obesity and diabetes are increasingly common, all of which are in urgent need of more effective therapies. This project examines powerful neuropeptide signalling pathways that integrate bone homeostasis with whole body energy and glucose balance. Initial studies have defined the efferent hypothalamic pathways of this system and this project will build upon these findings to examine the feedbac ....Endocrine signalling from bone cells in the regulation of glucose and energy homeostasis. Osteoporosis, obesity and diabetes are increasingly common, all of which are in urgent need of more effective therapies. This project examines powerful neuropeptide signalling pathways that integrate bone homeostasis with whole body energy and glucose balance. Initial studies have defined the efferent hypothalamic pathways of this system and this project will build upon these findings to examine the feedback signals produced by bone cells to regulate adipose and pancreatic function. Exploring this entirely new paradigm of skeletal biology, will reveal novel circulating factors capable of regulating adipose and glucose economies, as well as bone mass, thereby offering potential therapies for these debilitating conditions.Read moreRead less
Switching the light on cartilage repair. Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability in adults and affects 15 per cent of the Australian population. This project will develop a revolutionary new approach to treat joint disorders using smart materials and stem cells. The novel materials and techniques developed will help Australia maintain its leading edge in biotechnology.
Industrial Transformation Training Centres - Grant ID: IC170100022
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,420,408.00
Summary
ARC Training Centre for Innovative BioEngineering. The ARC Training Centre for Musculoskeletal Biomedical Technologies will provide the next-generation of skilled graduates to overcome industry-focused challenges in musculoskeletal regeneration. The Centre expects to engineer a set of integrated technologies to personalise implants for the unique biological, physical and lifestyle characteristics of the recipient. Expected outcomes of the Centre include embedded bioelectronic sensors to assess a ....ARC Training Centre for Innovative BioEngineering. The ARC Training Centre for Musculoskeletal Biomedical Technologies will provide the next-generation of skilled graduates to overcome industry-focused challenges in musculoskeletal regeneration. The Centre expects to engineer a set of integrated technologies to personalise implants for the unique biological, physical and lifestyle characteristics of the recipient. Expected outcomes of the Centre include embedded bioelectronic sensors to assess and optimise the healing process. In addition, the Centre will produce data for use in deriving the next-generation of implants, giving rise to improved health outcomes, economic benefits, and a skilled workforce able to advance and perpetuate this important field.Read moreRead less
Towards a cost-effective therapy for osteoporosis using Australian indigenous emu oil. Emu oil has a potent anti-inflammatory property. This project aims to show in rodents whether its use can overcome the inflammatory condition and osteoporosis caused by aging, menopause and cancer chemotherapy. This research could lead to development of an emu oil-based therapy for major health problems and have immense social and economic implications.
Translational research in osteoarthritis: from epidemiological studies to clinical interventions. Currently the only treatment for osteoarthritis is to relieve pain. However, there are some factors that may affect the progression of this disease. This project will examine these factors including inflammation, metabolism, and physical inactivity, and find potential modifying therapies such as vitamin D supplementation for osteoarthritis.
Better prevention and management of disabling back pain. This project will establish a program of back pain research within an inter-disciplinary research centre focused on the prevention and management of physical disability.
Using mouse genetics to understand skin development and cell biology. During embryonic development the skin forms a protective barrier which permits life outside the womb and provides a window into the biology of cells. This project aims to use the skin to identify and characterise genes necessary for embryonic development and maintenance, the development of diseases and to explore their broader roles in other organs.
Calcium signalling by intracellular calcium stores in rabbit, mouse and man: implications for muscle performance and athletic ability. This project addresses essential vital life functions such as respiration and movement and factors that determine whether muscles are better suited to weight lifting, endurance or sprint activities. The outcome will fill an information gap and provide therapeutic targets, significant in medicine, sports and veterinary science.
Hypoxia-mimicking bio-scaffold for skeleton regeneration. The project is to develop bioactive bone grafts to improve bone repair and shorten the recovery time of patients with fractures, degenerative joint diseases, and bone cancer and bone deformities.
The development of new scaffolds for bone repair comprising polycaprolactone and strontium-substituted bioactive glasses. The drive to develop bone grafts to fill major gaps in the skeleton, whilst circumventing the need to use permanent implants has led to a major research thrust towards developing biomaterials for bone-tissue engineering. The project will develop scaffolds with highly osteoconductive bioactive glasses in a polymer matrix for bone regeneration applications.