This project examines the types of computations used by brain cells to combine two types of sensory information, in a way that allow us to reach better decisions in everyday life. To address this general problem, we will perform experiments that explore the combination of signals from vision and hearing. The ability to combine sensory information is vital to our mental health, and this process is compromised in a range of psychological, psychiatric and neurological disorders.
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.
Circadian Rhythm Disruption And Metabolic Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$626,018.00
Summary
Shiftwork is an under-researched risk factor for obesity and diabetes. Because shiftwork disrupts hormonal and sleep rhythmicity, eating patterns and light exposure, abnormal rhythmicity may be a causal factor in metabolic disease. Direct evidence for the link is lacking and the underlying mechanisms responsible are unknown. This project aims to understand how shiftwork may lead to diabetes and obesity, knowledge essential for the design and testing of potential interventions.
The Consequences Of Simulated Shift Work Exposure During Gestation On The Metabolic Health Of The Adult Offspring.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,892.00
Summary
Shiftwork is associated with increased risk for preterm birth & spontaneous abortion. In an animal model simulated shiftwork exposure during pregnancy increases fat deposits & reduces glucose tolerance in the adult offspring, suggesting exposure during pregnancy has lifelong health consequences for the progeny. This project will investigate the impact of shiftwork during gestation on the metabolic health of the offspring, & determine the stage of pregnancy most susceptible.
Senior Research Fellowship In Lipoprotein Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$804,106.00
Summary
A physiologist describing metabolic pathways and mechanisms that regulate lipoprotein metabolism in in vitro and in vivo systems. My research uses complex tracer studies and mathematical modelling to identify and quantitate pathways of lipid metabolism in normal and diseased states prior to and following lifestyle and/or pharmacological interventions. The focus of my research is on cardiovascular disease risk reduction.
Lifestyle And Pharmacological Regulation Of Lipoprotein Metabolism In The Metabolic Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$504,504.00
Summary
Visceral obesity is an increasing problem in Australia. Elevated blood fat levels are associated with visceral obesity and increased risk for heart disease. Effective management of lipid disorders is important to reduce the risk for heart disease. Fats in the blood originate from dietary sources and from synthesis by the liver. In viscerally obese subjects, the level of blood fats is elevated compared with lean individuals. These abnormalities are partly caused by overproduction of fat in the li ....Visceral obesity is an increasing problem in Australia. Elevated blood fat levels are associated with visceral obesity and increased risk for heart disease. Effective management of lipid disorders is important to reduce the risk for heart disease. Fats in the blood originate from dietary sources and from synthesis by the liver. In viscerally obese subjects, the level of blood fats is elevated compared with lean individuals. These abnormalities are partly caused by overproduction of fat in the liver and impaired clearance of fat from the blood. Two particular proteins, called apolipoprotein A and B-100, are important fat carriers responsible for transporting fat in the blood. Viscerally obese subjects have abnormal levels of these apoproteins and we hypothesised that they are responsible for the impaired movement of fat in the blood. Viscerally obese subjects are insulin resistant and are prone to diabetes. This condition will impair the regulation of apolipoproteins A and B-100. In this research project, we will investigate the effect of a fibrate (a regulator of fat production and breakdown) and ezetimibe (a regulator of dietary cholesterol absorption) on the production and clearance rates of apolipoprotein A and B in a group of obese subjects who are on weight loss program . If our hypothesis is correct, these studies will demonstrate new mechanisms of action of the two drugs that will complements the favourable effect of weight loss in the treatment of elevated blood fats and reduction in risk of heart disease in an important groups of subject in the population.Read moreRead less
Identification Of Heterogeneity In Vasodilator Function In Human And Rat Resistance Vessels: Potential Drug Targets?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$595,330.00
Summary
The balance between the ways that blood vessels decrease in size (constrict) and increase in size (dilate) determine how blood vessels normally function. There are many differences in the ways that blood vessels control this balance in different parts of the body. Such differences are altered in vascular diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, which are prevalent in obesity, such that constriction generally outweighs dilation. However, what these differences are and how they occur are not w ....The balance between the ways that blood vessels decrease in size (constrict) and increase in size (dilate) determine how blood vessels normally function. There are many differences in the ways that blood vessels control this balance in different parts of the body. Such differences are altered in vascular diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, which are prevalent in obesity, such that constriction generally outweighs dilation. However, what these differences are and how they occur are not well understood. While current drugs for treating vascular disease either reduce vessel constriction or increase dilation, they are not specific for individual arteries; a situation that would allow us to control vascular diseases in a very specific manner. Recently, we have described differences between the ways that individual vessels are controlled. These changes relate to differences in the way that different vessels dilate. AIMS - To further understand normal blood vessel function and the changes that occur in blood vessels in cardiovascular disease, with a focus on the ways that blood vessels dilate in normal states and in obesity-related diseases, such as in hypertension and diabetes. - The eventual aim is to identify the specific ways that arteries function, so that artery-specific drug targets can be identified to treat disease-related changes in cardiovascular disease in a very specific manner. EXPECTED OUTCOMES This project will contribute to understanding blood vessel function in health and disease. The expected eventual outcome is the identification of the mechanisms that underlie the function of different arteries in different parts of the body, so that specific individual vessel function can be targeted to treat vascular disease. Additionally, this work will also verify the relevance of the diet-induced obesity animal model, in terms of the characteristics and causes of human obesity and related cardiovascular disease.Read moreRead less