Liver damage after liver surgery or shock is called ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Recovery after surgical removal of liver tissue is due to liver regeneration. IRI and liver regeneration are controlled by specialised proteins called cytokines, one of which, TRAIL, is essential for both IRI and liver regeneration. This research is to find out how TRAIL exerts such seemingly opposite effects. The aim is to learn how to protect the liver against damage, and to stimulate its recovery.
Investigation And Modulation Of RANKL-induced Osteoclastogensis, Bone Resorption And Signaling Pathways
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$33,825.00
Summary
Osteoclasts are exclusively responsible for the degradation of bone matrix. RANKL is a member of a ligand-receptor system which directly regulates osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. New treatment regime for various bone diseases have been highly sought after for many years. The identification of potential natural compounds that inhibit the formation and function of osteoclasts might serve as a useful tool for such treatment.
Investigating The Roles Of Non-coding RNAs In Inflammatory Signalling And Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
Inflammation occurs as part of the body's natural defenses against infection or injury, but can be damaging when unregulated and can lead to cancer. Although the protein factors critical for inflammation have been carefully studied it remains unknown how ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules can modify and regulate inflammation. This project will identify RNA molecules that control inflammatory signalling, and further translate these findings to show they contribute to the progression of cancer.
Simvastatin Prevents Dopaminergic Neuronal Injury In Experimental PD Models Via Activation Of NF-kB And MMP 9 And 3
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$87,937.00
Summary
Increasing evidence shows that neuroinflammation may account for dopamine neuron death in Parkinson’s disease (PD). This work aims to provide systematic picture of inflammatory response in PD, and explore anti-inflammatory mechanisms of simvastatin on the progression of PD. We expect that the results may provide a therapeutic strategy using simvastatin via different methods of administration in treating PD, and provide new information about the anti-inflammatory roles of simvastatin.
Role Of IGF Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP-3) And IGFBP-5 As Modulators Of Nuclear Hormone Signalling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$465,750.00
Summary
The insulin-like growth factors are small proteins involved in the growth of most tissues. Their actions are regulated by binding to larger proteins (known as IGFBPs) in the bloodstream and outside the cell. However, some IGFBPs are also found inside cells, where they seem to carry out other functions. We believe that two of these binding proteins, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5, change the way cells respond to vitamin A and vitamin D. These two vitamins are important in cell growth and in the way certain ....The insulin-like growth factors are small proteins involved in the growth of most tissues. Their actions are regulated by binding to larger proteins (known as IGFBPs) in the bloodstream and outside the cell. However, some IGFBPs are also found inside cells, where they seem to carry out other functions. We believe that two of these binding proteins, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5, change the way cells respond to vitamin A and vitamin D. These two vitamins are important in cell growth and in the way certain cells perform specialised functions. In test-tube experiments, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 interact directly with the receptors that regulate the effects of these hormones. If the same thing happens inside the cell, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 could change the way these receptors respond to signals from outside the cell. We will investigate what effect these IGFBPs have in living cells and in whole animals and how this may relate to human disease. If we are able to understand how IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 affect the way cells respond to vitamin A and D, then we may be able to develop new ways to treat certain human diseases.Read moreRead less