Control Of Musculoskeletal Function And Body Composition By Androgens In Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,248.00
Summary
Male sex hormone or androgen deficiency (AD) is a common, but under-diagnosed condition. AD decreases general well being and contributes to muscle weakness, bone fragility and weight gain. By using cutting edge imaging and molecular technologies, we will help to explain the underlying mechanisms of how AD leads to these negative effects. This should ultimately lead to reduction of adverse outcomes of AD, which include fractures and cardiovascular events.
Role Of UBL-5 In Mitochondrial Function And Glucose Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,539.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, a condition that is characterised by the inability of insulin to elicit its normal function to lower blood sugar levels. The cause of insulin resistance is not known. In this study we will determine the role of a novel gene called UBL-5 to elicit insulin resistance in muscle and fat by generating genetically-induced models in which this gene has been deleted. By understanding the role of UBL-5 in insulin resistance, better therapeutic strategies c ....Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, a condition that is characterised by the inability of insulin to elicit its normal function to lower blood sugar levels. The cause of insulin resistance is not known. In this study we will determine the role of a novel gene called UBL-5 to elicit insulin resistance in muscle and fat by generating genetically-induced models in which this gene has been deleted. By understanding the role of UBL-5 in insulin resistance, better therapeutic strategies can be developed to treat Type 2 diabetes.Read moreRead less
Can Exercise Early After Spinal Cord Injury Prevent Deterioration Of Muscle And Bone?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$775,049.00
Summary
Spinal cord injury leads to a profound deterioration of the muscles and bones in the paralysed limbs. This project will examine the effects of exercising the paralysed limbs as early as possible after injury to prevent muscle and bone loss rather than restoring the tissues once changes have occurred. The time course and mechanisms underlying the microstructural decay of bone over the first year after injury will also be examined to provide a basis for determining fracture risk in this group.
The Role Of The MicroRNA Let 7 In Diabetic Proliferative Vascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$674,084.00
Summary
Cardiovascular complications remain the major cause of mortality in diabetes and our current treatment strategies are insufficient to reduce this burden. We have obtained extensive data to show that a novel molecule (the micro RNA, let 7b) has antiproliferative and vasculoprotective effects in diabetes. Thus, we propose that modulation of micro RNA let 7b specifically in vascular smooth muscle cells within the vascular wall represents a promising target to combat cardiovascular disease, in parti ....Cardiovascular complications remain the major cause of mortality in diabetes and our current treatment strategies are insufficient to reduce this burden. We have obtained extensive data to show that a novel molecule (the micro RNA, let 7b) has antiproliferative and vasculoprotective effects in diabetes. Thus, we propose that modulation of micro RNA let 7b specifically in vascular smooth muscle cells within the vascular wall represents a promising target to combat cardiovascular disease, in particular in diabetes.Read moreRead less
Targeting Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Biosynthesis To Improve Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$844,596.00
Summary
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a cellular metabolite that regulates many biological processes. NAD levels decline with age and also in obesity and interventions that increase NAD levels produce favourable metabolic effects. In this proposal we will utilise a range of novel experimental models to define the molecular pathways that mediate the beneficial effects of NAD.
Understanding Sphingolipid Mediators Of Insulin Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,447.00
Summary
Sphingolipids are a class of lipid metabolites that have a variety of functions within cells. It has been known for some time that an accumulation of excess lipid, including certain sphingolipids, can adversely impact insulin action and glucose metabolism in cells. In this project we will a combination of strategies to test the hypothesis that the sphingolipid profile can be manipulated to have favourable effects on metabolism.
Targeting Insulin Hypersecretion To Prevent Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$834,596.00
Summary
Diabetes develops when islet beta-cells fail to secrete insulin. While major differences exist in the mechanisms by which type 1 and type 2 diabetes develop, there is overlap in beta-cell susceptibility factors. We will investigate whether an islet 'overwork' response to excess nutrient loads underlies beta-cell susceptibility to failure in both types of diabetes. We will also develop novel pharmacological approaches to reduce islet 'overwork' to prevent and treat type 1 and 2 diabetes.