This study aims to elucidate central pathways which can be manipulated to drive the storage of excess energy away from fat and instead directing it into the production of bone mass. Having identified leptin-responsive NPY neurons as important in the control of energy partitioning, we will focus on manipulating these neurons in the hypothalamus using innovative technology to alter body composition. This research has the potential to result in novel treatments for obesity and osteoporosis.
Understanding The Role Of Nociceptin In PMNL-mediated Inflammation In Vivo
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$474,750.00
Summary
This work will study the role of a type of protein in white blood cell movement into tissues, a process called inflammation. The outcome of this work may lead to the development of molecules which control this movement of white blood cells more specifically than existing therapeutics. Such inhibitors would potentially be useful as anti-inflammatory agents in a range of human diseases.
DIET-INDUCED OBESITY ALTERS THE CENTRAL ACTIONS OF GHRELIN
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$38,599.00
Summary
Ghrelin is a hormone that primarily targets the brain to increase food intake and body weight. It has evolved to prevent starvation during periods of negative energy balance by promoting energy intake and storage. We have identified central ghrelin resistance in diet-induced obesity (DIO) as a novel disturbed neuroendocrine system that restricts excessive food intake. Therefore, a novel approach to treat DIO is to exploit or enhance these intrinsic mechanisms that restrict the development of obe ....Ghrelin is a hormone that primarily targets the brain to increase food intake and body weight. It has evolved to prevent starvation during periods of negative energy balance by promoting energy intake and storage. We have identified central ghrelin resistance in diet-induced obesity (DIO) as a novel disturbed neuroendocrine system that restricts excessive food intake. Therefore, a novel approach to treat DIO is to exploit or enhance these intrinsic mechanisms that restrict the development of obesity.Read moreRead less
The Role Of The Central Insulin-NPY Pathway In The Regulation Of Energy Balance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$474,975.00
Summary
Insulin is known for its role in the regulation of glucose metabolism in the liver, muscle and fat, however very little is known about the role of insulin in the brain. This project aims to improve our understanding on how insulin regulates energy balance and appetite and identifies the exact neuronal networks involved in the brain and to understand the mechanistic insights into the pathology of obesity, providing the means for the development of more effective and safer therapeutic approaches.