Determinants Of Tissue- And Ligand-Specific Responses At The Mineralocorticoid Receptor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$668,485.00
Summary
The steroid hormone aldosterone controls salt balance and hence, blood pressure. It also has been shown to have a significant role in cardiac failure. Although drugs that block the aldosterone receptor are beneficial in the treatment of heart failure, they are limited by potassium retention in the kidney. In order to develop tissue-specific blockers of the aldosterone receptor, it is necessary to identify mechanisms by which the receptor can be activated and/or blocked in specific tissues.
The steroid hormone aldosterone controls salt balance and hence, blood pressure. It also has been shown to have a significant role in cardiac failure. Although drugs that block the aldosterone receptor are beneficial in the treatment of heart failure, they are limited by potassium retention in the kidney. In order to develop tissue-specific blockers of the aldosterone receptor, it is necessary to identify mechanisms by which the receptor can be activated and/or blocked in these tissues.
Investigation Of The Mechanism By Which Medium Chain Fatty Acids Prevent The Development Of Obesity And Insulin Resistance - What Role For GPR84?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$512,541.00
Summary
Medium chain fatty acids do not induce the same degree of obesity and insulin resistance as long chain fatty acids and this is due to changes in metabolism in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. In this proposal we will investigate whether medium chain fatty acids induce their beneficial effects by interacting with a specific G protein-coupled receptor named GPR84. This receptor may be a new therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic diseases.
Roles Of The Nuclear Growth Hormone Receptor In Cell Proliferation And Survival
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,387.00
Summary
We have discovered that the cell surface receptor for growth hormone travels to the cell nucleus in dividing cells, including cancer cells. Given the role of growth hormone in promoting growth postnatally, we seek to uncover how the nuclear receptor promotes proliferation directly, and by gene splicing. We have identified strong candidates for its direct actions through proteomics, and a DNA binding site for the receptor. Here we will investigate its role in proliferation, gene splicing and DNA ....We have discovered that the cell surface receptor for growth hormone travels to the cell nucleus in dividing cells, including cancer cells. Given the role of growth hormone in promoting growth postnatally, we seek to uncover how the nuclear receptor promotes proliferation directly, and by gene splicing. We have identified strong candidates for its direct actions through proteomics, and a DNA binding site for the receptor. Here we will investigate its role in proliferation, gene splicing and DNA strand break repair after cell irradiation.Read moreRead less