L-amino Acid Sensing By The Extracellular Calcium-sensing Receptor: Molecular, Cellular And In Vivo Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$362,545.00
Summary
Recent work by Dr Conigrave and colleagues demonstrates for the first time that protein and calcium metabolism are linked at the molecular level by the widely distributed calcium-sensing receptor. The project will aim to demonstrate the physiological significance of this finding by testing whether L-amino acids, the building blocks of body protein, exert receptor-dependent control over the secretion and blood levels of hormones that regulate body calcium levels. It will further test the hypothes ....Recent work by Dr Conigrave and colleagues demonstrates for the first time that protein and calcium metabolism are linked at the molecular level by the widely distributed calcium-sensing receptor. The project will aim to demonstrate the physiological significance of this finding by testing whether L-amino acids, the building blocks of body protein, exert receptor-dependent control over the secretion and blood levels of hormones that regulate body calcium levels. It will further test the hypothesis by determining whether amino acids exert receptor-dependent control over the proliferation of bone forming cells and urinary excretion of calcium.Read moreRead less
Is Insulin Sensitivity In Children And Their Mothers Programmed By Maternal Blood Glucose?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$169,630.00
Summary
Glucose intolerance in pregnancy is associated with the birth of large-for-dates and macrosomic (>4000g) babies. The risk of type 2 diabetes is greater in babies who are small or large at birth compared to those with normal birth weight. This study will determine if treatment of mothers with glucose intolerance in pregnancy (which is intermediate between normal glucose tolerance and diabetes) alters the regulation of glucose tolerance in their children. The mothers were randomised to receive ....Glucose intolerance in pregnancy is associated with the birth of large-for-dates and macrosomic (>4000g) babies. The risk of type 2 diabetes is greater in babies who are small or large at birth compared to those with normal birth weight. This study will determine if treatment of mothers with glucose intolerance in pregnancy (which is intermediate between normal glucose tolerance and diabetes) alters the regulation of glucose tolerance in their children. The mothers were randomised to receive normal antenatal care or to have their blood sugar measured and controlled by diet and insulin as for diabetics. We will measure the insulin sensitivity of the children to a glucose load. We will also measure blood pressure and lipids in these children. Treatment of the mother during pregnancy may alter the deposition of fat in the fetus the effect of which will continue into childhood. Thus the offspring of treated mothers may remain thinner throughout childhood. Each pregnancy increases a woman's chance of developing type 2 diabetes in later life. This risk is further increased by abnormal glucose tolerance during pregnancy. This study will test the long-term benefits of treatment during pregnancy of women with impaired glucose tolerance on the subsequent regulation of glucose tolerance. We shall invite women who took part in the Australian Carbohydrate Study in Pregnancy (ACHOIS) to return and have an intravenous glucose tolerance test. Insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance will be determined and related to treatment of the impaired glucose tolerance in pregnancy. This study will be the first follow-up of a large randomised trial of treatments of impaired glucose tolerance in pregnancy. The potential long-term benefits are strategies to reduce the future chance of developing risk factors for type 2 diabetes, obesity and abnormal blood lipids in childhood and adult life. The study will establish the benefits or otherwise of tight control of blood glucose in pregnancy.Read moreRead less
Interaction Of Mc1r With The PRb And P53 Pathways In UVR-induced Melanoma Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$553,479.00
Summary
This project will shed light onto fundamental processes causing UV-induced melanoma (MM). Innate differences between individuals, independent of pigmentation, influence MM development. We will study the mechanisms of UVR-induced MM development in mice carrying gene mutations (Cdk4, Arf, Mc1r) that underpin human MM susceptibility. Knowledge of the sensitivity of an one's MCs to UV could be critical for targeting susceptible groups for health education campaigns and more intense screening.
Metabolic And Neurobiological Changes After Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment For Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$503,497.00
Summary
CPAP is the preferred treatment for patients with OSA because of its well-proven ability to decrease sleepiness and improve blood pressure control. This study will definitively establish if CPAP can also improve markers of cardio-metabolic health, such as visceral fat, insulin sensitivity, central blood pressure and arterial stiffness. The results of the study will shed light on the broader health consequences of OSA and contribute to the development of more targeted treatment strategies.
Long Acting Insulin: Drug Design, In Vitro Activity Through To Animal Model Efficacy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$445,011.00
Summary
This research will develop novel insulins that possess improved stability and activity for diabetic patients. The improved pharmacological actions of the modified insulins offer increased treatment options for patients eg. enabling less frequent or invasive medication. Our cross-disciplinary team will (i) design and synthesise insulin derivatives, (ii) explore the activity of the modified insulins by biophysical activity profiles in vitro, (iii) evaluate the in vivo stability and clinical effect ....This research will develop novel insulins that possess improved stability and activity for diabetic patients. The improved pharmacological actions of the modified insulins offer increased treatment options for patients eg. enabling less frequent or invasive medication. Our cross-disciplinary team will (i) design and synthesise insulin derivatives, (ii) explore the activity of the modified insulins by biophysical activity profiles in vitro, (iii) evaluate the in vivo stability and clinical effects.Read moreRead less