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
The Long-term Consequences Of Assisted Reproduction On The Growth, Metabolic, Respiratory, Psychological, Immunological And Reproductive Development Of The Offspring.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,552,096.00
Summary
1 in 25 children are born from IVF treatment - incredibly- to our shame; no data exists as to the long-term health of these children. Presented is a unique opportunity, which would be exceedingly difficult to replicate elsewhere in the world, to determine the long-term consequences of IVF upon the development of the offspring, by comparing their growth, metabolic, respiratory, psychological, immunological and reproductive development to a representative sample of WA children- the Raine cohort.
Liver Cell Transplantation For The Treatment Of Liver Based Metabolic Diseases.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,143.00
Summary
We propose to investigate the role of liver cell transplantation (LCT) for the therapy of inherited liver-based metabolic diseases using a methylmalonic aciduria (MMA) mouse model. LCT provides an exciting alternative to whole organ transplantation. Initially it was considered liver cells would be immunopriviledged. This has not proven to be the case. Immune modulation will be important. We will also examine immune modulation using antibodies to optimise longterm survival of allogeneic cells.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100403
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,582.00
Summary
Defining how gut bacteria regulate metabolism: a role for gut serotonin. This project aims to understand how serotonin-producing cells in the gut interact with gut bacteria (the microbiome), using a combination of cells in culture and live germ-free and genetically modified mice. This project expects to generate new knowledge regarding cellular interactions that underlie important physiological pathways, such as the control of blood glucose and fat storage. The intended outcomes of this project ....Defining how gut bacteria regulate metabolism: a role for gut serotonin. This project aims to understand how serotonin-producing cells in the gut interact with gut bacteria (the microbiome), using a combination of cells in culture and live germ-free and genetically modified mice. This project expects to generate new knowledge regarding cellular interactions that underlie important physiological pathways, such as the control of blood glucose and fat storage. The intended outcomes of this project are to identify how gut bacteria communicate with serotonin-producing cells to regulate metabolism, and whether diet acts via a gut microbiome-serotonin axis to impact physiology. The expected benefit of this project will be to provide a new understanding of highly complex physiological systems that regulate our health.Read moreRead less
Are Large Joint Osteoarthritis And Low Back Pain Metabolic Disorders?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$381,972.00
Summary
While osteoarthritis (OA) is considered a “wear and tear” disease, there is evidence that OA may be related to a cluster of metabolic abnormalities including obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and high cholesterol. Similarly, low back pain main be linked to a sedentary lifestyle and metabolic changes. This project will examine the relationship between metabolic derangements and back pain and large joint OA in an attempt to better understand these diseases and develop effective treatments.