Distinct Populations Of Arc NPY Neurons Control Different Aspects Of Energy Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$843,340.00
Summary
Obesity is caused by an imbalance of energy intake and energy expenditure both of which are controlled by specific neurons in the brain. While different types of neurons important in these processes have been identified how they are organised and work in fulfilling the different functions is unclear. Here we aim to identify subpopulations of neurons that are responsible for specific tasks that would make them more specific targets for drug intervention with a reduced risk of side effects.
Identifying The Physiological Actions Of Calcitonin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$683,040.00
Summary
Calcitonin is a hormone whose main action has long been regarded as the slowing down of bone breakdown, however, its importance in human physiology is unknown. The aim of this study is to understand the role of calcitonin in regulating bone formation and protecting the skeleton in times of calcium stress, such as lactation. These results will greatly advance our understanding of the control of bone and calcium homeostasis, which will have implications for the treatment of bone disorders.
Cell-selective Deletion Of Brain AT1A Receptors In Hypertension: Effect On Blood Pressure, Increased ROS Production And Inflammation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$578,268.00
Summary
Angiotensin is important for normal regulation of blood pressure but is also involved in cardiovascular diseases. Interruption of angiotensin’s actions is a common treatment of these diseases. Functional deletion of angiotensin receptors decreases blood pressure. Surprisingly the site(s) in the body responsible for this decrease are not known. We will examine the role of angiotensin receptors in the brain in the control of blood pressure in health and in cardiovascular disease.
Control Of Neuropeptide FF Receptors On Appetite And Energy Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,281.00
Summary
Despite the alarming obesity epidemic, there currently exists no effective long-term treatment for obesity. Neuropeptide FF and its receptor NPFF2R have an emerging role in regulating food intake and body fat stores. Results from this study will show whether NPFF2R plays an important role in regulating appetite, metabolic rate, body weight and fat stores, thus help to identify whether NPFF2R-targeted therapeutics would confer significant benefit for the long-term treatment of obesity.
Multipotent Stem Cells Derived From Postimplantation Mouse Embryos: Evaluation Of Germ Layer Differentiation Potential
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$788,818.00
Summary
This study of the properties of cells that can differentiate into specific lineages provides useful insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms for the specification of these progenitors from the pluripotent stem cells. The procurement of tissue-specific precursor cells that are capable of self-renewing and population expansion is a critical pre-requisite for achieving directed differentiation of stem cells into therapeutically useful cells for tissue replacement and regeneration.