Cardiovascular Effects Of Enhanced Leptin Signalling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,200,972.00
Summary
Leptin treatment causes weight loss, but leptin also increases blood pressure. We wish to determine if increasing leptin signalling, by modifying signal transduction pathways within leptin sensitive cells in the brain, can reduce weight without increasing blood pressure.
Can Blockade Of Leptin Action In The Brain Reduce Blood Pressure In Obese Mice?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$653,049.00
Summary
The aim of these studies is to determine if high leptin levels in obese mammals activate the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), and thereby contribute to pathologically high blood pressure, increased heart rate and diabetes. If so, it may be possible to develop novel therapeutics to acutely improve a patient's metabolic condition, by blocking leptin action. The obese are already insensitive to the anorectic actions of leptin, so blocking leptin would likely have no deleterious consequences.
Leptin As A Natural Regulator Of TFH Cell Differentiation And Vaccination Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$594,901.00
Summary
Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells constitute a CD4+ T cell subset that plays an instrumental role to support protective antibody responses in infection and vaccination. Although malnutrition is associated with poor vaccine responses and increased risks of infections, the mechanism is poorly understood. We will investigate the mechanism by which leptin, a hormone secreted by adipose cells, regulates Tfh cell function and vaccination response.
Regulation Of Hypothalamic Insulin & Leptin Signalling By TCPTP
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$758,504.00
Summary
Insulin & leptin signal in the brain to lower blood glucose, suppress food intake, increase activity & increase energy expenditure. Obesity diminishes the abilities of insulin & leptin to signal. This proposal will determine if the enzyme TCPTP terminates insulin & leptin signaling in the brain. Our studies will provide insight into the molecular causes of obesity & may identify a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity & type 2 diabetes.
Hormonal Regulation Of NPY Neurons In The Arcuate Nucleus Of The Hypothalamus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$589,677.00
Summary
Obesity is a serious medical concern affecting the social, medical and economic capabilities within Australia. This proposal examines the hormonal regulation of cells in the brain inducing appetite. By understanding how these hormones influence appetite-inducing cells, we hope to identify effective targets to treat food intake and body weight gain.