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.
THE IMMUNOLOGICAL LEGACY OF OBESITY ON VIRAL PATHOGENESIS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$652,275.00
Summary
Obesity is a key risk factor for severe viral infections. Our preliminary data suggest that in mice this susceptibility is not reduced by weight loss. In this grant we will investigate a) the mechanisms driving the legacy effect of obesity on antiviral immunity b) whether or not we can reverse this legacy effect by treatment with the drug MCC950 and c) the antiviral response of overweight children and adults who have and haven't recently lost weight.
Feeding Behaviour And Obesity Development: Identification Of Novel Intervention Points
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$923,668.00
Summary
Appetite and food intake is regulated by specific neuronal structures in the brain. The most important area is the hypothalamus from which many neuronal pathways originate to control specific aspects of feeding behaviour and energy usage in the brain and the rest of the body. To better understand the contribution individual neuronal populations make to drive excess food intake we propose a new approach to identify this, making new treatment options for eating disorders and obesity possible.