Using Gene Delivery Technologies To Define Novel Mechanisms Of Skeletal Muscle Adaptation, And Develop Muscle-directed Interventions For Frailty And Serious Illness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
The focus of my research is to investigate the cellular mechanisms underlying regulation of skeletal muscle size and function in health and disease. By defining these processes we can establish the events contributing to muscle wasting and frailty commonly associated with serious illness and advancing age, and develop interventions to prevent/overcome this important contributor to poor health prospects and reduced survival.
I am a physiologist investigating the molecular basis of normal function in skeletal muscle and the dysfunctions occurring in various muscle diseases and in fatigue. In addition, I investigate analogous dysfunction of calcium release and excitability occu
Towards A Better Understanding Of The Health Benefits Of Physical Activity: Designing Exercise Mimetic For The Treatment Of Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$938,910.00
Summary
The health benefits of physical activity are well known but the mechanisms linking regular physical activity to chronic disease prevention are poorly understood. We have developed the concept that contracting muscles release factors that have positive effects on other organs in the body. This fellowship will allow me to develop this concept and uncover novel potential therapies that mimic the benefits of exercise.
The nuclear hormone receptors (NRs) translate hormonal, metabolic & pathophysiological signals into gene regulation, and several NRs are very important in human health. NRs are important therapeutics targets in the treatment of dyslipidemia, insulin insensitivity and breast cancer. Our data identifies new and novel NR targets that can be therapeutically/pharmacologically exploited in the context of exercise capacity, metabolic disease and breast cancer.
Genetic Basis For Skeletal Muscle Formation And Regeneration In Development And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$876,005.00
Summary
How does muscle grow and repair after injury or disease? This basic question in the focus of the research in this fellowship. Specific cells are put aside during development to generate the growth and provide stem cells required for regeneration. Using the advantages of the zebrafish system I will record the action of different stem cell populations during growth and disease. I will define the genes required for stem cell action and utilize this knowledge to create new therapeutic pathways.
We will apply genome-wide approaches to identify the gene networks that regulate the self-renewal and the differentiation of muscle stem cells and their fusion to muscle fibres. These studies will deliver the first characterisation of the molecules and pathways implicated in these processes, which are essential steps of muscle growth.
Genetic Basis For Skeletal Muscle Formation In Development And Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$751,854.00
Summary
Inherited skeletal dystrophies and myopathies are devastating and debilitating disease for which there are no cures and general muscle wasting is major health problem for a significant number of older Australians. Understanding how muscles form, grow and are maintained in model system, the Zebrafish, will provide avenues for treatment of these diseases. We will create models of human muscle diseases in zebrafish and test the usefulness of different therapeutic approaches we develop.
Macrophages, Cytokines And The Inflammatory Response (Reappointment To Senior Principal Research Fellow)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$898,008.00
Summary
The project will continue to explore how a type of white blood cell contributes to the pathology associated with chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis and periodontal disease. Success already has been achieved in that clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis have emanated from this project.
Prof. Herbert conducts clinical research into the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions. A focus of this research is study of the effectiveness of stretch-based interventions for prevention and treatment of contracture. His clinical research is backed by a program of laboratory research investigating the mechanical properties of human muscles.