Short Term Effects Of Overfeeding On Metabolic Risk In Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
Obesity is associated with increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Obesity prevalence is rapidly increasing and consitutes one of the greatest threats to human health. The aim of this study is to determine mechanism-s underlying the close relationship between obesity and insulin resistance by inducing experimental weight gain in humans with and without a genetic predisposition to diabetes. This project will help identify new candidates for anti-diabetes drugs.
Osteal Macrophages: Novel Regulators Of Osteoblast Function And The Endosteal Stem Cell Niche
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,125.00
Summary
Bone diseases are a major health problem and current treatments are inadequate. We are investigating a novel role for macrophages (cells important in tissue maintenance and immune responses) in bone growth, repair and disease. Greater understanding of this will provide new ways to treat bone disease. We will also determine if these macrophages help support stem cells that reside near bone surfaces, which may provide new treatment strategies to improve bone marrow transplantation in cancer.
Long Term Progression And Pathways Of Cardiometabolic Risks For Mothers And Their Adult Offspring.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$453,605.00
Summary
The aim of this research is to investigate long term postnatal outcomes of cardiovascular diseases and mortality throughout the female reproductive life course and beyond, and to study the causes, progression and pathways of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity from birth to adulthood within adult males and females.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia And The Bone Marrow Microenvironment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,872.00
Summary
This research aims to identify new drugs for the treatment of childhood and adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We have identified drugs that interfere with interactions between the bone marrow and leukemic cells and hypothesise that these will increase the potency of currently used chemotherapy. We will test these agents in animal models of human leukemia. By analysing the effects of these new drugs we will also understand how we can further improve treatments.
Nutritional Epidemiology Of Cardiometabolic Risk And Mental Health Disorders From Infancy To Adulthood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,946.00
Summary
I developed and am leading a program of nutrition research that is making a substantial difference and contribution to the literature that will eventually make a difference to the lives of children and adolescents. The focus of this work will be on the nutritional risk factors for mental health and development of the metabolic syndrome that includes cardiovascular and diabetes risk.
Pathophysiology And Therapeutics Of Lipoprotein Disorders In Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,716.00
Summary
Lipid disorder is the major casual factor that contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Australia. My research has provided new knowledge that has significant impact upon the treatment strategy of lipid disorder and cardiovascular risk. My vision for the next four years is to develop a comprehensive program in understanding lipid transport and translating the knowledge into clinical practice.
Elucidating The Molecular Regulation Of Gp130 Complex Signalling In Lipid And Glucose Metabolism.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
Overnutrition promotes obesity, which greatly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We have provided evidence that activation of gp130 signalling may enhance insulin action and fatty acid oxidation in metabolically active tissues. My research proposal aims to elucidate the molecular regulation of gp130 complex signalling in lipid and glucose metabolism in important metabolic tissues.
Characterisation And Therapeutic Targeting Of Molecular Pathways That Promote Breast Cancer Metastasis To Bone
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$442,573.00
Summary
Breast cancer that has spread to bone cannot be cured. Using the most clinically relevant model of breast cancer available we have identified that tumour cells growing in bone need to suppress immune elimination (by suppressing the Type I interferons) and invade through the bone tissue (by activation of cysteine cathepsins). Studying the functional role of these pathways will provide novel insight into the mechanisms of breast cancer spread to bone that can be augmented therapeutically.