Targeting Central Inflammation To Combat Obesity And Obesity-related Cognitive Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
The current obesity epidemic means many of us will suffer from overweight or obesity for at least some of our lives. My findings show obesity can cause inflammation throughout the brain including in regions related to learning and memory. Here I hypothesize that obesity induces long-term changes in the brain’s immune cells, that this can explain why we see susceptibility to cognitive decline in obese individuals, and that we can reverse these negative effects by targeting these immune cells.
Molecular Targets Involved In Human Muscle Atrophy And Hypertrophy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
Muscle wasting is a consequence of aging, cancer, HIV-AIDS, obesity and work-sport injuries. It increases the risk of injury, impacts on recovery and places an economic burden on our healthcare system. Atrogin-1 and STARS are muscle specific genes believed to regulate muscle mass. This project aims to determine how human atrogin-1 and STARS are regulated and how they can influence muscle loss. These studies may provide new targets for reducing human muscle wasting.
We stand without falling by using silent senses from muscles and the balance organs of the inner ear to unconsciously detect and control our movements. Since the leg muscles provide both the force and the sense, and critically rely on good circulation, they are vitally important. I propose to study how these sensory and muscle functions are used to control balance, posture and stepping reflexes, making it easier to identify older people who will fall and design new preventative strategies.
Genomic Investigation Of Major Human Diseases And Lifespan
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
I am focused on finding disease genes for major human neurological diseases that increase with age. In my future research I will use human population genetics data combined with animal research to find genes that can block pain perception, or promote long life while preserving brain function in the elderly. My research efforts can help provide a better basic understanding of age-related diseases, and may help us identify new therapies to help us live productive, long lives.
Prevention Of Falls To Promote Healthy Ageing: New Approaches And Enhanced Implementation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
This research focuses on fall prevention to promote healthy ageing. It involves the conduct of: 2 trials of exercise-based fall prevention interventions for older community-dwellers aged 60+; 3 studies to identify older people's barriers to participation and program preferences in relation to exercise-based fall prevention programs; and 2 trials of an educational program for health professionals.