Cystic Fibrosis - Insulin Deficiency, Early Action (CF-IDEA)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$185,485.00
Summary
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-threatening genetic condition affecting Australian children. As well as repeated lung infections, children with CF develop insulin deficiency and eventually diabetes. The CF-IDEA trial (Cystic Fibrosis – Insulin Deficiency, Early Action) will determine whether starting insulin treatment before the onset of diabetes (earlier than current practice) will improve the health of children with CF by improving body weight and lung function.
Gestational diabetes is an important medical condition. We plan to investigate two subgroups of women with gestational diabetes. Firstly, women who have diabetes antibodies in pregnancy. Secondly, women who have a mild form of diabetes caused by a single gene mutation, who may be first identified during pregnancy. Correct identification of these subgroups of women is important for immediate and long-term management of both the mother and her fetus.
ARMC5 And Other Genetic Contributions In Endocrine Neoplasia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
The adrenal glands secrete essential hormones and can enlarge or develop tumours leading to conditions including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, brittle bones and infections. We recently found that adrenal enlargement and tumours may be due to changes in the ARMC5 gene. We will perform genetic testing in affected patients across Australia to evaluate the roles of ARMC5 & other genes. Our goal is to better understand how these conditions develop so as to improve diagnosis and treatment.
The Function Of The Natural Antisense Ghrelin Receptor Gene (GHSROS) In Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$493,750.00
Summary
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in men and women in the world and the incidence in Australia is rising with our aging population. Survival rates for lung cancer are very poor. We have discovered a new gene that is produced by lung cancer cells and may contribute to the aggressive nature of this disease. We will investigate this gene to determine if it could be a useful target for new therapies for lung cancer and it determine its utility as a biomarker for the severity of t ....Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in men and women in the world and the incidence in Australia is rising with our aging population. Survival rates for lung cancer are very poor. We have discovered a new gene that is produced by lung cancer cells and may contribute to the aggressive nature of this disease. We will investigate this gene to determine if it could be a useful target for new therapies for lung cancer and it determine its utility as a biomarker for the severity of the disease.Read moreRead less
The Menstrual Cycle, Menopause And Gender Specific Health Needs Of Women With Complex Medical And Psychiatric Conditions.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$149,982.00
Summary
The great advances in medical science mean that women are living longer, sometimes with very complex conditions.The aim of this study is to determine how common women’s health issues are in women who have had a lung or bone marrow transplant and in women with severe mental illness. The study will involve face to face interview with women and then a survey of a larger number of women. The study will help improve the care and quality of life of women who already face significant health challenges.
Effects Of Replacement And Withdrawal Of Testosterone In Human Males On Muscle, Bone And Fat
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$156,682.00
Summary
Male sex hormone or androgen deficiency (AD) is a common, but under-diagnosed condition. AD decreases well being and contributes to muscle weakness, bone fragility and weight gain. Cutting edge technology will be used to help explain how AD may relate to these negative effects, particularly on muscle function. Given the importance of aging, frailty, osteoporosis and obesity, understanding the role of hormones in these conditions may have major implications for prevention and treatment.
Role Of UBL-5 In Mitochondrial Function And Glucose Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,539.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, a condition that is characterised by the inability of insulin to elicit its normal function to lower blood sugar levels. The cause of insulin resistance is not known. In this study we will determine the role of a novel gene called UBL-5 to elicit insulin resistance in muscle and fat by generating genetically-induced models in which this gene has been deleted. By understanding the role of UBL-5 in insulin resistance, better therapeutic strategies c ....Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, a condition that is characterised by the inability of insulin to elicit its normal function to lower blood sugar levels. The cause of insulin resistance is not known. In this study we will determine the role of a novel gene called UBL-5 to elicit insulin resistance in muscle and fat by generating genetically-induced models in which this gene has been deleted. By understanding the role of UBL-5 in insulin resistance, better therapeutic strategies can be developed to treat Type 2 diabetes.Read moreRead less
Targeting Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Biosynthesis To Improve Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$844,596.00
Summary
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a cellular metabolite that regulates many biological processes. NAD levels decline with age and also in obesity and interventions that increase NAD levels produce favourable metabolic effects. In this proposal we will utilise a range of novel experimental models to define the molecular pathways that mediate the beneficial effects of NAD.