Stem cell to differentiation occurs in a bi-directional fashion. Dedifferentiation which allows specialized cells to become stem cells has been found to be important in both cancer and regeneration. In this proposal, we will investigate the metabolic reprogramming of neuronal dedifferentiation. The findings from this study will better inform us on how to specifically target tumours that arise from dedifferentiation.
Advancing Glycine To The Clinic For Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$248,978.00
Summary
We have identified the therapeutic potential of the amino acid glycine for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most common and severe of the muscular dystrophies. To facilitate rapid translation to the clinic, this proposal will; 1) examine the effect of glycine on lifespan and quality of life in mouse models of DMD; 2) determine glycine’s mode of action; and 3) investigate whether these effects represent further benefits to those currently used gold standard treatments.
Ageing And Latelife Health: Calories, Macronutrients Or Branched Chain Amino Acids?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$746,459.00
Summary
The prevailing dogma of ageing research has been that a substantive reduction in caloric intake maintained over a lifetime will delay ageing and age-related pathologies (caloric restriction - CR). Yet CR does not differentiate between the effects of reduced intake of calories versus specific macronutrients, nor can it assess the impact of balance of macronutrients. This application seeks to disentangle the role of CR and macronutrients on their effects on healthspan and lifespan in mice.
Targeting Insulin Hypersecretion To Prevent Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$834,596.00
Summary
Diabetes develops when islet beta-cells fail to secrete insulin. While major differences exist in the mechanisms by which type 1 and type 2 diabetes develop, there is overlap in beta-cell susceptibility factors. We will investigate whether an islet 'overwork' response to excess nutrient loads underlies beta-cell susceptibility to failure in both types of diabetes. We will also develop novel pharmacological approaches to reduce islet 'overwork' to prevent and treat type 1 and 2 diabetes.
N-Acetyl Cysteine In Schizophrenia Resistant To Clozapine: A Double-Blind Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial Targeting Negative Symptoms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$981,789.00
Summary
Many patients with schizophrenia remain treatment resistant even after “last resort” medications like clozapine. This proposal will conduct a novel multi-site randomised placebo controlled trial of adjunctive N-acetyl cysteine in patients with clozapine resistant schizophrenia. Treatment efficacy will be examined at 8, 26 and 52 weeks.
Does N-3 LCPUFA Supplementation In Pregnancy Reduce Asthma And Allergies In School Age Children?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,833.00
Summary
We will determine whether supplementing the diets of pregnant women with fish oil can have long term effects on the development of the childÍs immune system and reduce the prevalence of asthma and allergies at early school age. The outcomes of our project will inform nutritional guidelines for pregnant women and, if successful, has the potential to significantly lower the costly burden of childhood asthma and allergies to families and the healthcare system.
Omega 3 Fats To Reduce The Incidence Of Prematurity: The ORIP Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,705,590.00
Summary
The most significant perinatal problem in the world today is early preterm birth with its consequent threat to life and life-long health in survivors. Fish oils have been suggested to overcome this problem. Encouraging results have been obtained from small trials that need substantiation in a large well designed trial. The ORIP trial, involving approximately 5510 women, will provide a definitive answer to the question of whether maternal fish oils supplementation reduces early preterm birth.
Does N-3 LCPUFA Supplementation During Pregnancy Improve The Intelligence Quotient Of Children At School Age?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,920.00
Summary
Pregnant women in Australia are being inundated by advertisements from health food companies and health organisations to increase their intake of fish oil to ensure that their babies will maximise their chance of achieving a high IQ. Our study will provide the first solid evidence to test whether these claims are true. This will help us frame nutritional guidelines in pregnant women.
Exploiting The Pharmacokinetic And Pharmacodynamic Properties Of Bile Acid Receptor Agonists To Treat Liver Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$653,952.00
Summary
We have generated preliminary data suggesting that chemicals made by the liver, called bile acids, act on fat cells to release a hormone called adiponectin. In liver disease adiponectin has favorable effects, including reducing liver inflammation and fibrosis (scarring). By using drugs that mimic the action of bile acids we expect that adiponectin production by fat cells can be increased, creating a new way to treat patients with chronic liver diseases.
Mechanisms Of Impaired Bronchodilator Response Associated With Fatty Acid Intake In Obese Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$694,365.00
Summary
Obese asthmatics typically have a high dietary fat intake, which reduces the efficacy of their asthma medications. We will determine which types of dietary fat affect asthma medications. We will also determine which asthma medications are affected by a high fat load. Finally, we will examine the mechanisms by which fatty acids affect the efficacy of asthma medications. This is will inform new treatment options for managing the many obese asthmatics who are not able to achieve weight loss.