MERTK Receptor Tyrosine Kinase: A Novel Therapeutic Target For Liver Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$870,972.00
Summary
Hepatic fibrosis is the principal cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality, for which there are no effective therapies. Thus, there is an urgent and unmet need to identify new targets to treat liver fibrosis. We have demonstrated for the first time, that liver fibrosis correlates with elevated hepatic expression of MERTK, a receptor tyrosine kinase. This project will explore whether MERTK function can be exploited to target and reverse liver fibrosis
The Role Of The Hepatocyte And EMMPRIN In Liver Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$607,487.00
Summary
This research plan investigates the role of the hepatocyte, the principal functional cell within the liver in the development of liver disease. Liver injury can result in end-stage scaring known as cirrhosis as well as leading to liver cancer. Our research aims to identify strategies for reversing the fibrotic process and result damage to the liver
The Role Of The Adiponectin Receptors In Liver Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$393,159.00
Summary
Advanced liver scarring (fibrosis) contributes to the death of 1500 Australians annually. Two-thirds of our community is overweight or obese, and this worsens liver disease. A protein secreted by fat, adiponectin, may be important as it acts on liver cells to promote fibrosis. To understand adiponectins role, we will use mice null for adiponectin receptor genes and study its action on liver cells. This study will improve our understanding of liver scarring biology and patient treatments.
DPP4 Family Proteases As Drivers Of Chronic Liver Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$730,041.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes afflicts over 220 million people and often causes a chronic liver injury. That and hepatitis viruses can cause cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer, which is the 2nd most common cause of cancer death. Many Australians suffer from diabetes, fatty liver and/or hepatitis virus infection. We will understand these diseases far better and likely discover a new therapy by assessing roles of the DPP4 family of enzymes in diabetes, fibrosis and fatty liver.
Liver Injury And Iron Homeostasis In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,370.00
Summary
Iron disorders and liver disease are a significant burden on society, affecting many in the prime of their life. Disordered iron metabolism also plays a significant role in many disorders and diseases including cancers, neurodegenerative and iron overload disorders, and anaemia associated with chronic disease. My objective is to understand the molecules and mechanisms involved, and to develop strategies and reagents to diagnose, prevent and treat liver and iron-related disease.
Investigation Of The Beneficial Arm Of The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) To Formulate Potential Therapies In Liver Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$71,765.00
Summary
Severe liver damage due to chronic hepatitis and other common liver diseases is now a major cause of illness and death in Australia. This project will examine how a hormone system contributes to the development of liver damage in these diseases. We will study whether drugs targeting this system can be used to reduce liver scarring and prevent the development of severe liver damage and its complication.
Microparticles In NASH: Origins, Pathogenic Roles, And Biomarker Of Disease Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,633.00
Summary
30% of Australians have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Cirrhosis is the third cause of death; only 10-25% of NAFLD livers show steatohepatitis (NASH), which leads to cirrhosis. We have found that microparticles (MPs), small fragments of cell membranes, circulate in NASH but not in ordinary fatty liver. We will now explore ways in which MPs incite inflammation and liver fibrosis in NASH, and design new tests based on MPs to improve clinical assessment of patients with NAFLD/NASH.
The Role Of Adiponectin-mediated Nitric Oxide On Portal Hypertension And Liver Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$526,380.00
Summary
Liver cirrhosis is associated with high portal pressure that can result in severe bleeding and death. Adiponectin, a circulating protein, protects the liver from inflammation and scarring and may reduce portal pressure. We will characterise the mechanisms by which adiponectin induces NO and limits liver damage and determine if adiponectin treatment can reduce portal hypertension and bleeding in liver disease.
Translating Disordered Iron Metabolism And Liver Injury Research Into Clinical Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,014.00
Summary
Disorders of iron excess or insufficiency are common. A major complication of iron overload is liver disease. Another major cause of liver disease is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Most causes of liver disease injure the liver by similar mechanisms. This project will discover new mechanisms by which iron may cause cancer, arthritis, liver and cardiac disease and will define new diagnostic tests and treatments for disorders of iron metabolism and liver disease.