Novel sources of nitric oxide (NO) in cells: Implications for an endocrine role for NO. Communication between cells is essential for coordinating and controlling a healthy body. A key regulator and cell-communicating molecule is the gas, nitric oxide. Although nitric oxide is a simple substance we still do not fully understand all aspects of its cellular functions. It is assumed that nitric oxide is synthesised in the body and, after release, is rapidly metabolized and eliminated. Reductions in ....Novel sources of nitric oxide (NO) in cells: Implications for an endocrine role for NO. Communication between cells is essential for coordinating and controlling a healthy body. A key regulator and cell-communicating molecule is the gas, nitric oxide. Although nitric oxide is a simple substance we still do not fully understand all aspects of its cellular functions. It is assumed that nitric oxide is synthesised in the body and, after release, is rapidly metabolized and eliminated. Reductions in the levels of nitric oxide in the body are associated with several diseases states and states of dysfunction including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and also impotence. Professor Triggle's study seeks to characterize how tissues may store nitric oxide, thus prolonging the life of nitric oxide, and how such stores are released. Read moreRead less
Molecular basis of G protein receptor-effector coupling in epithelial cells. Hundreds of extracellular stimuli act on specific receptors in the plasma membrane of cells resulting in an increase in intracellular calcium which acts as a second messenger to alter cell behaviour. There are, however, many receptors acting through a number of closely related proteins involving tightly regulated interactions which remain poorly understood. This project uses novel techniques to elucidate the molecular b ....Molecular basis of G protein receptor-effector coupling in epithelial cells. Hundreds of extracellular stimuli act on specific receptors in the plasma membrane of cells resulting in an increase in intracellular calcium which acts as a second messenger to alter cell behaviour. There are, however, many receptors acting through a number of closely related proteins involving tightly regulated interactions which remain poorly understood. This project uses novel techniques to elucidate the molecular basis for these interactions by identifying the roles individual proteins play in this complex process.Read moreRead less
Fluid mechanics and physiology of blockages in vascular systems. Vascular disease is a major health problem both in Australia and worldwide. In particular, cardiovascular disease is a major killer of adult Australians. Engineers and mathematicians working with biologists will gain a greater understanding of vascular diseases, a major health problem, including cardiovascular disease, which is one of the biggest killers worldwide, as well as tackling renal circulation problems, which are a signifi ....Fluid mechanics and physiology of blockages in vascular systems. Vascular disease is a major health problem both in Australia and worldwide. In particular, cardiovascular disease is a major killer of adult Australians. Engineers and mathematicians working with biologists will gain a greater understanding of vascular diseases, a major health problem, including cardiovascular disease, which is one of the biggest killers worldwide, as well as tackling renal circulation problems, which are a significant problem and may contribute to hypertension. Detailed measurement and prediction will be undertaken of the mechanical loading and response of cells to their microenvironment, an important first step to controlling pathological responses which lead to a variety of autoimmune problems.Read moreRead less
The function of menin in mammalian development. This project aims to determine the role of a ubiquitous transcriptional co-regulator, menin, in mammalian development. Mice that lack menin through targeted deletion of the gene die during embryogenesis, but the cause is unknown, although is likely to be due to the abnormal expression of genes usually regulated by this factor. We will determine which genes are inappropriately expressed and responsible for the accompanying developmental defects. Thi ....The function of menin in mammalian development. This project aims to determine the role of a ubiquitous transcriptional co-regulator, menin, in mammalian development. Mice that lack menin through targeted deletion of the gene die during embryogenesis, but the cause is unknown, although is likely to be due to the abnormal expression of genes usually regulated by this factor. We will determine which genes are inappropriately expressed and responsible for the accompanying developmental defects. This knowledge will help us understand the process of development in mammals, including birth defects in humans.Read moreRead less
Genome wide screening for gene products that regulate the celluar dynamics of lipid droplets. Obesity is a pandemic that if not stopped, will lead to huge social and economic problems in Australia. In essence, the hallmark of human obesity is the accumulation of cellular lipid droplets. This research will benefit Australia by providing a fundamental understanding of how lipid droplets are formed. This will have immediate international impact at the scientific level and will also provide novel ta ....Genome wide screening for gene products that regulate the celluar dynamics of lipid droplets. Obesity is a pandemic that if not stopped, will lead to huge social and economic problems in Australia. In essence, the hallmark of human obesity is the accumulation of cellular lipid droplets. This research will benefit Australia by providing a fundamental understanding of how lipid droplets are formed. This will have immediate international impact at the scientific level and will also provide novel targets and strategies for treating obesity. The proposed study will also benefit Australian agriculture by providing strategies to improve oil production from plant seeds. Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0989078
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$400,000.00
Summary
Unique, state-of-the-art lipidomics infrastructure. The new technologies provided through this grant will significantly enhance our understanding of lipids and their role in normal cell biology and disease. These new insights will be vital in improving our understanding of lipid-related disorders such obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and helping to improve their treatment and prevention.
Shaping the heart in early development - new insights into cellular modelling processes. Heart health is an important contributor to quality of life and longevity. This research will provide new insights into the way hormonal influences early in development shape a healthy heart. The project builds on the application of recently patented, sophisticated cell imaging techniques. Research students and trainees recruited to this project will benefit from their involvement with this leading edge tech ....Shaping the heart in early development - new insights into cellular modelling processes. Heart health is an important contributor to quality of life and longevity. This research will provide new insights into the way hormonal influences early in development shape a healthy heart. The project builds on the application of recently patented, sophisticated cell imaging techniques. Research students and trainees recruited to this project will benefit from their involvement with this leading edge technology. These studies are important in providing a basis for developing optimal management strategies for congenital heart conditions and preterm infants. Improved knowledge of the cardiac effects of fetal and neonatal exposure to steroids (to assist with lung maturation in prematurity or to control maternal asthma) will be gained.Read moreRead less
New methods to complete the lipidomics puzzle: revealing the structural diversity of lipids by mass spectrometry. Lipid-related disorders such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease are reaching epidemic proportions in the western world. The integration of innovative techniques will provide Australia with unique capabilities to investigate these diseases and place Australia at the forefront of lipid research internationally.
Ginger-based agents for delaying the onset of metabolic syndrome: type-2 diabetes and dyslipidemia. We will determine the potential of ginger, a relatively safe and popular food and spice, to be developed as a preventative nutraceutical agent to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Our research will allow us to formulate a standardised ginger preparation of known mechanism of action that delivers safe and reproducible effects The project has the capacity to reduce the debili ....Ginger-based agents for delaying the onset of metabolic syndrome: type-2 diabetes and dyslipidemia. We will determine the potential of ginger, a relatively safe and popular food and spice, to be developed as a preventative nutraceutical agent to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Our research will allow us to formulate a standardised ginger preparation of known mechanism of action that delivers safe and reproducible effects The project has the capacity to reduce the debilitating effects of type 2 diabetes in the nation's health and its high economic costs, and to improve the quality of life of the Australian community, more than 1 million of whom are affected by this growing epidemic.Read moreRead less
Epidemiological modelling of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in Australia. With Australia's population ageing and becoming increasingly obese, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are predicted to be a massive burden on our already stretched health system. Preventing the onset of disease is clearly the best management strategy, but we also need effective treatment strategies for those with these diseases, and we need to ensure that we are spending our healthcare dollars in the most effectiv ....Epidemiological modelling of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in Australia. With Australia's population ageing and becoming increasingly obese, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are predicted to be a massive burden on our already stretched health system. Preventing the onset of disease is clearly the best management strategy, but we also need effective treatment strategies for those with these diseases, and we need to ensure that we are spending our healthcare dollars in the most effective and cost-effective manner to achieve these aims. This research will evaluate how best to do this in a specifically Australian context.Read moreRead less