Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-2 Is A Crucial Activator Of Aggressive Behaviour In Cancer Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,885.00
Summary
The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, required for normal development and adult life, is often altered in many diseases including cancer. Key regulators of the IGF system are the IGF binding protein (IGFBP) of which IGFBP-2 is the 2nd most abundant. IGFBP-2 may enhance or inhibit the IGFs, but the mechanisms are not clear. This proposal aims to dissect IGFBP-2 action with the ultimate goal to provide knowledge for the development of targeted therapeutic modulators of IGFBP-2 activity.
Dietary Protein Effects In Elderly Women: Musculoskeletal, Renal, Cardiovascular And Body Composition Endpoints
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$478,946.00
Summary
Fractures and falls of the elderly are major health problems in our community in terms of disability and cost. It is critical to the future health of our aging population to develop non-pharmaceutical interventions to maintain health into old age. Epidemiologic studies have shown that relatively high protein intake is associated with increased bone mineral mass and reduced incidence of osteoporotic fracture in elderly people. Low protein intakes can lead to loss of muscle mass. To date there hav ....Fractures and falls of the elderly are major health problems in our community in terms of disability and cost. It is critical to the future health of our aging population to develop non-pharmaceutical interventions to maintain health into old age. Epidemiologic studies have shown that relatively high protein intake is associated with increased bone mineral mass and reduced incidence of osteoporotic fracture in elderly people. Low protein intakes can lead to loss of muscle mass. To date there have been no randomised trials of sufficient duration to examine the effects of increased dietary protein intake on bone and muscle health of the elderly. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of protein supplementation for the prevention of osteoporosis and muscle wasting in elderly women, and the safety of such an intervention through monitoring renal function and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Two hundred and twenty women will be recruited to this study and be assigned to protein group or placebo group. Women in the protein group will received 250 ml high protein drink (containing 30 g protein) per day and women in the placebo group will receive placebo drink containing the same amount of energy, calcium but no additional protein. Bone structure, muscle mass, body composition, renal function and risk factors for cardiovascular disease will be monitored during the 2 year study period. The results of this randomised, controlled study will clarify the role of protein on bone mass and structure, muscle mass and body composition in the elderly. At the same time, the safety of such intervention on renal and cardiovascular endpoints will also be evaluated. It is envisaged that the results of this study if positive will translate into both immediately applicable intervention strategies that are relevant at a program and an individual level.Read moreRead less
FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF IGF-BINDING PROTEIN-2 MOLECULAR INTERACTIONS IN EARLY DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$551,328.00
Summary
Early development involves complex regulation of cell and organ growth. Cell migration and invasion are critical components of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) essential for early developmental, as well as injury repair and cancer. Common to these events is a highly expressed protein, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2), which appears to play a critical role in regulating the processes of cell migration and invasion. The underlying mechanisms of cellular regulation by I ....Early development involves complex regulation of cell and organ growth. Cell migration and invasion are critical components of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) essential for early developmental, as well as injury repair and cancer. Common to these events is a highly expressed protein, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2), which appears to play a critical role in regulating the processes of cell migration and invasion. The underlying mechanisms of cellular regulation by IGFBP-2 are major focus of this proposal, which brings together four major groups focussed on early development, neural injury repair, and cancer biology. We will use a range of in vitro and in vivo approaches to determine the underlying mechanisms of action of this critical protein. This project has the potential to point to novel therapeutic modalities in development, repair and cancer.Read moreRead less