The Role Of Vasoactive Hormones In The Pathogenesis Of Hepatic Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$271,320.00
Summary
One of the most important consequences of chronic liver disease is the development of progressive liver fibrosis or scarring. This process is responsible for many of the life-threatening complications of liver disease, however, the mechanisms responsible are not completely understood and there are no established treatments. The aetiologies of cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, are many and vary from viral hepatitis to inherited and autoimmune disorders. Regardless of the cause, it appears that ....One of the most important consequences of chronic liver disease is the development of progressive liver fibrosis or scarring. This process is responsible for many of the life-threatening complications of liver disease, however, the mechanisms responsible are not completely understood and there are no established treatments. The aetiologies of cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, are many and vary from viral hepatitis to inherited and autoimmune disorders. Regardless of the cause, it appears that fibrosis develops down a common pathway leading to eventual cirrhosis. We will study the pathways that are thought to be involved in the stimulation of liver scarring, in particular, focusing on those that lead to its activation and perpetuation. It is hypothesised that these pathways will prove to be potential targets for the treatment and prevention of liver fibrosis.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Seipin In Adipocyte Development And Lipid Droplet Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,258.00
Summary
The prevalence of obesity and its related disorders has reached an alarming level in Australia and other developed countries. Obesity is characterized by the accumulation of fully-differentiated adipocytes loaded with lipid droplets (LDs). We aim to characterize seipin, which regulate both lipid droplet formation and adipocyte differentiation. Results from our proposed studies may offer novel therapeutic strategies against human obesity.
Targeting Dysfunctional Mitochondria In Macrophages To Inhibit Atherosclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,009,796.00
Summary
The major contributing cells to heart disease are macrophages. These cells scavenge cholesterol, keeping the blood vessels clean and limiting heart disease. The macrophages must process and donate the scavenged cholesterol onto HDL-cholesterol that carries them back to the liver for removal. This process requires the powerhouse of the cell, the mitochondria to be functional. We have discovered that process fails and have novel drugs to re-instate this process of cholesterol removal.