The health benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables can in part be attributed to their high content of polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids. These substances can improve functioning of blood vessels and have the potential to reduce the risk of heart disease. This project will examine one of the most common flavonoids in the diet to try and understand how it works and better understand the protective effects.
Endothelial Development From Pluripotent Stem Cells As A Means To Study Pathology In Pulmonary Artery Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,311.00
Summary
Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease primarily affecting young adults. It is caused by a defect in cells that form the vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs. We will use stem cells made from the skin of PAH patients to examine why the blood vessel cells from these patients fail to function normally.
Role Of AMPK Signaling In Metabolic Control During Exercise
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,288.00
Summary
It is well recognized that sedentary life styles are associated with increased incidence of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The medical, social and financial costs of these diseases are growing rapidly and represent a major health care challenge. Exercise is beneficial for maintaining health in patients at risk of developing these diseases and for this reason we are interested in understanding how exercise capacity is regulated.
Inhibitors Of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) Regulation As A Basis For Novel Anti-Infective Agents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,735.00
Summary
The human enzyme iNOS generates reactive nitrogen species that are required for the intracellular killing of pathogens such as bacteria and parasites. Recently, we showed that the SPSB proteins are key regulators of this important enzyme, and that interfering with this regulation enhanced the anti-microbial actions of iNOS. This project will develop small molecule inhibitors of the SPSB-iNOS interaction for use as novel anti-infective agents in humans.