Functional Relationships Of Gastrin And Its Regulators In The Developing And Diseased Gastrointestinal Tracts
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$607,832.00
Summary
Gastrin is a hormone from the stomach which aids digestion by stimulating acid secretion. However too much acid can cause ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrin also stimulates growth of the lining of the stomach and intestines. This growth promoting effect is important for the development of the gastrointestinal tract before birth and may also be involved in a number of cancers especially colon cancer. Several different forms of gastrin are made by endocrine cells of the stomach and by c ....Gastrin is a hormone from the stomach which aids digestion by stimulating acid secretion. However too much acid can cause ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrin also stimulates growth of the lining of the stomach and intestines. This growth promoting effect is important for the development of the gastrointestinal tract before birth and may also be involved in a number of cancers especially colon cancer. Several different forms of gastrin are made by endocrine cells of the stomach and by cancers of the colon. It seems that the different types of gastrins have different effects and act through distinct receptors. The production and effects of gastrin are mediated in part by the local factor histamine and modified by the hormone somatostatin. The amount, type and activity of gastrin, and the interactions with histamine and somatostatin, will be measured in foetal and newborn animals, and people with or at risk of developing colon cancer.Read moreRead less
The Impact Of Virulence Gene Polymorphisms On Helicobacter Pylori Pathogenesis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$448,434.00
Summary
The bacterium Helicobacter pylori causes various types of disease of the stomach and intestine. It is still not clear, however, why some infected individuals develop very severe forms of disease (ulcers or cancer) whilst others develop only inflammation. This project will investigate H. pylori interactions with cells that line the stomach wall and how these interactions may contribute to the development of more severe disease.
The Role Of The Gastric H/K ATPase In Parietal Cell Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$166,885.00
Summary
The cells of the body contain many specialised membrane structures. At present it is not clear how the synthesis of these stuctures is directed. To study this problem we are examining the acid secretory parietal cells of the stomach. These cells have a very elaborate membrane system that contains a major proton pump protein. By manipulating the levels and form of the proton pump we will gain novel insights into the mechanism of membrane structure and function.
Understanding The Relationship Of Incretin Hormones, Gastric Emptying And Reactive Hypoglycaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Low blood glucose levels following a meal occur frequently in otherwise healthy people and those who have had surgery for weight loss. It affects quality of life adversely and current management is unsatisfactory. The proposed studies will use sophisticated techniques to evaluate the roles of the rate of stomach emptying and the so-called 'incretin' hormones which stimulate the release of insulin after a meal. The outcomes will have major implications for more rational management.
Establishment Of A Biomarker To Test Molecular Risk Of Gastric Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$834,448.00
Summary
Less than 20% of patients live 5 years after a diagnosis of gastric cancer (GC). This is due to the advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. We have no markers to monitor therapy of cancer. This proposal aims to use next generation sequencing to find specific genetic changes in a persons tumour that can be used to monitor therapy. We aim to use the same technology to group patients into high-risk or low risk for development of GC. This will allow specific screening only for those at high-risk.
Structural Basis For Helicobacter Pylori Adhesion To Host Epithelial Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$665,328.00
Summary
The aim of this grant is to understand how the bacteria that cause gastric cancer and ulcers interact with the cells that line the stomach. This information will be used to develop new treatments to combat disease.
Secretion is an essential step in memory and learning, control of metabolism and reproduction and the functioning of most organs. Secretory dysfunction also underlies many diseases including type 2 diabetes. We plan experiments to test for a new model of control of insulin secretion.