The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) invites you to participate in a short survey about your
interaction with the ARDC and use of our national research infrastructure and services. The survey will take
approximately 5 minutes and is anonymous. It’s open to anyone who uses our digital research infrastructure
services including Reasearch Link Australia.
We will use the information you provide to improve the national research infrastructure and services we
deliver and to report on user satisfaction to the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research
Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) program.
Please take a few minutes to provide your input. The survey closes COB Friday 29 May 2026.
Complete the 5 min survey now by clicking on the link below.
Neuroprotective Functions Of Autophagy Regulators In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$434,644.00
Summary
The accumulation of the beta amyloid protein has a central role in AD and enhancing its removal improves memory loss in animal AD models. This project builds on my recent finding of regulators of a cell housekeeping system, “autophagy” which accelerate removal of beta amyloid in cells. This study will advance knowledge into the protective functions of the autophagy regulators in reducing AD symptoms. Findings from this work might provide the basis for developing effective anti-AD therapeutics.
Inhibition Of AMPK Signalling As A Strategy For Decreasing Appetite
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$644,266.00
Summary
The enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has previously been implicated in mediating increased food intake in response to fasting and the appetite-inducing hormone ghrelin. In this study we propose to investigate whether inhibition of AMPK has promise as a strategy to reduce hunger in the context of dietary restriction and increases in energy expenditure, such as exercise. We will also test whether a new AMPK inhibitor has the potential to reduce appetite signalling in cells and in mice.
Understanding The Importance Of Lipid Metabolism In Mediating The Anti-diabetic Effects Of Metformin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,892.00
Summary
Obesity is a major cause of adult onset Type 2 diabetes. This project is investigating the mechanism of action of the glucose lowering drug metformin on fat metabolism. We are investigating whether the regulation of two enzymes, involve in fat synthesis and the burning of fat respectively that are important for metformin�s action. Through this research we hope to improve on the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Physiological Effects Of Manipulating AMP-activated Kinase Genes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$351,110.00
Summary
The AMP-activated protein kinase is a metabolic stress sensing protein kinase responsible for matching the supply of energy to the body's functions. During vigorous exercise it senses metabolic stress (reduction in energy) caused by muscle contraction and stimulates glucose uptake and burning of fat to provide energy. The AMP-activated protein kinase also regulates the production of nitric oxide that is important in controlling blood pressure and blood clotting. Reduced caloric intake activates ....The AMP-activated protein kinase is a metabolic stress sensing protein kinase responsible for matching the supply of energy to the body's functions. During vigorous exercise it senses metabolic stress (reduction in energy) caused by muscle contraction and stimulates glucose uptake and burning of fat to provide energy. The AMP-activated protein kinase also regulates the production of nitric oxide that is important in controlling blood pressure and blood clotting. Reduced caloric intake activates the AMP-activated protein kinase to suppress energy consuming activities and modify the expression of genes. Many of the conditions that activate the AMP-activated protein kinase (exercise, reduced caloric intake) are associated with a healthy life style, increased longevity and resistance to age onset diseases including cardiovascular disease (atherosclerosis, hypertension), obesity, neurodegeneration and diabetes. By manipulating the gene for the AMP-activated protein kinase in mice we expect to learn more about its key physiological roles and give new insight into the control of age onset diseases.Read moreRead less
The key goal of my research is to understand the role of protein phosphorylation in controlling metabolism, with a special emphasis on the structure and function of members of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. This is important because the function and survival of all organisms is dependent on the dynamic control of energy metabolism, with energy demand matched to energy supply.
Targeted Development Of AMPK Β2-isoform Allosteric Activators
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$898,147.00
Summary
Sedentary lifestyles and consumption of high energy foods has led to dramatic increases in the incidence of diseases associated with metabolic dysregulation e.g. type 2 diabetes. An attractive drug target to treat these diseases is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which functions as a cellular fuel gauge. We have discovered a new drug that crucially activates the form of AMPK found in metabolically active organs. We aim to develop this drug to unlock new therapeutic opportunity.
AMP-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) In Acute Renal Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,523.00
Summary
Acute renal failure is a common complication of any severe illness. Generally, it is the lack of blood flow, or food that leads to this problem. People who are ill are unable to provide adequate blood flow to their kidneys, so the kidneys become diseased and fail to function. This can be fatal. There are, however, mechanisms in the kidney that are designed to avoid this shortage of energy. The aim of these studies is to find out what these protective mechanisms usually do in the kidney, and unde ....Acute renal failure is a common complication of any severe illness. Generally, it is the lack of blood flow, or food that leads to this problem. People who are ill are unable to provide adequate blood flow to their kidneys, so the kidneys become diseased and fail to function. This can be fatal. There are, however, mechanisms in the kidney that are designed to avoid this shortage of energy. The aim of these studies is to find out what these protective mechanisms usually do in the kidney, and understand why they are not more active. We hope to find ways to switch them on earleir, using drugs, so as to protect the kidneys from injury.Read moreRead less
Alteration Of Glucose Metabolism By GPCR Activation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,796.00
Summary
In type 2 diabetes the effect of insulin to stimulate glucose transport in fat cells and skeletal muscle is impaired so there is great interest in identifying insulin-independent mechanisms that increase glucose transport. Several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate glucose transport independently of insulin but the mechanisms involved in these effects are largely unknown. This project investigates how GPCRs regulate glucose homeostasis and will evaluate them as potential treatments.