Evaluation Of Functional Protein Molecules In Treating Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,407.00
Summary
This project aims to reduce excessive food consumption by controlling the satisfaction that people get from eating. This will be achieved through varying protein supplements (whey, leucine and beta-conglycinin) and their combinations. The idea is that people will feel satisfied despite eating less, leading to weight loss and the correction of related metabolic disorders.
Does Mitochondrial Metabolism In Neurons Act To Link Peripheral Metabolic State To Motivated Food-seeking Behaviour?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,697.00
Summary
Obesity, and its associated pathologies, is a major disease concern. The brain systems that regulate food intake and body weight break down under the strain of obesity and this creates a vicious cycle where failure to regulate metabolism promotes further weight gain. I am investigating how the mitochondrial enzyme CPT1c regulates these brain systems, and whether obesity impairs CPT1c function. Understanding CPT1c function in the brain will help us understand the causes of obesity and diabetes.
The Orexin System: A Link Between Addiction And Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$378,426.00
Summary
Relapse represents the most significant barrier to the successful treatment of addiction Interestingly, relapse rates are significantly higher amongst addicts with a concurrent mood disorder such as depression. This fellowship will use a number of cutting-edge techniques to explore the role of a hypothalamic peptide called 'orexin' in both relapse and depression and will thereby guide translational research aimed at developing pharmacotherapies designed to treat these disorders.
Defining Phenotypic Variation In The Gut-to-brain Signalling Responses To Hexose Sugars.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$321,564.00
Summary
There is a strong link between the incidence of obesity and consumption of sweetened beverages. The proposed studies will characterise (i) the pathway(s) by which sugars signal from the gut to the brain to regulate food intake, (ii) the role of gut peptides in this signalling, and (iii) the variations between individuals in these responses. This information will provide important insights as to why some individuals are more likely to gain weight in response to exposure to diets high in sugar.
An Investigation Of The Brain Mechanisms Of Alcohol Relapse And Compulsive Alcohol Use
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$347,788.00
Summary
This project aims to uncover the brain mechanisms of two significant aspects of alcoholism. The experiments will use recently developed animal models to investigate how the brain promotes relapse to alcohol seeking after abstinence is imposed by punishment, and how the brain mediates compulsive alcohol seeking that persists despite punishment. The results of this project may open up avenues for future translational research into new treatment options for alcoholism.