The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) invites you to participate in a short survey about your
interaction with the ARDC and use of our national research infrastructure and services. The survey will take
approximately 5 minutes and is anonymous. It’s open to anyone who uses our digital research infrastructure
services including Reasearch Link Australia.
We will use the information you provide to improve the national research infrastructure and services we
deliver and to report on user satisfaction to the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research
Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) program.
Please take a few minutes to provide your input. The survey closes COB Friday 29 May 2026.
Complete the 5 min survey now by clicking on the link below.
Most common diseases of ageing like diabetes and cancer have proven intractable because much of our knowledge is limited to individual molecules. This proposal takes a global approach to complex diseases, utilising quantitative high-resolution methods and computational modelling. This research will lead to a completely new way of thinking about complex diseases providing a range of completely novel treatment options.
Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor: A Novel Theraputic Agent For The Prevention Of Muscle Insulin Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,673.00
Summary
In 1995 leptin was discovered and scientists world-wide hoped that this was the great panacea in the treatment of obesity related disorders. Alas, from 1995-1997 the identification of a novel cytokine inducible compound termed suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) that negatively regulated leptin signalling and lead to leptin resistance, quashing hopes for a viable anti-obesogenic drug. Recently, however, work from our group has demonstrated that the neuropoietic cytokine, ciliary neurotrophic ....In 1995 leptin was discovered and scientists world-wide hoped that this was the great panacea in the treatment of obesity related disorders. Alas, from 1995-1997 the identification of a novel cytokine inducible compound termed suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) that negatively regulated leptin signalling and lead to leptin resistance, quashing hopes for a viable anti-obesogenic drug. Recently, however, work from our group has demonstrated that the neuropoietic cytokine, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), can act in an anti-obesogenic fashion in a manner similar to leptin. However, unlike leptin, when we place rodents on a high fat diet, the effects of CNTF persist and override induction SOCS proteins. This project will examine the biochemical pathways that allow the actions of CNTF to persist in the presence of diet-induced obesity. This is of major significance because in completing this work, the potential for the development of peripheral tissue drug targets for the treatment of obesity related diseases are both tangible and realistic.Read moreRead less
Role Of An Endogenously Synthesised Sterol In Regulating Cholesterol Removal From The Macrophage
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$276,000.00
Summary
Heart disease remains the greatest killer of Australians and involves accumulation of cholesterol in the artery wall. Cholesterol accumulates in a specific cell-type called the macrophage (literally means ' big-eater'). Once macrophages accumulate cholesterol, they become bloated cholesterol-filled foam cells. The early and persistent appearance of foam cells in diseased artery suggests that foam cells are active participants in the development of heart disease. Prevention or reversal of their f ....Heart disease remains the greatest killer of Australians and involves accumulation of cholesterol in the artery wall. Cholesterol accumulates in a specific cell-type called the macrophage (literally means ' big-eater'). Once macrophages accumulate cholesterol, they become bloated cholesterol-filled foam cells. The early and persistent appearance of foam cells in diseased artery suggests that foam cells are active participants in the development of heart disease. Prevention or reversal of their formation is therfore an attractive target for new therapies to treat heart disease. In this proposal, we address specific questions which will increase our understanding of how best to prevent or reverse foam cell formation. This work may indicate new therapeutic possibilities for combating heart disease.Read moreRead less