Adaptive reprogramming of metabolism in regeneration. . Biologists have long been intrigued at the phenomenon of organ regeneration. Unlike most human organs, the liver exhibits the remarkable capacity to regenerate. Despite decades of research, the molecular underpinnings of liver regeneration are poorly understood. This research proposal aims to use zebrafish to elucidate the pathways involved in sensing injury and activating an adaptive transcriptional and metabolic response to orchestrate re ....Adaptive reprogramming of metabolism in regeneration. . Biologists have long been intrigued at the phenomenon of organ regeneration. Unlike most human organs, the liver exhibits the remarkable capacity to regenerate. Despite decades of research, the molecular underpinnings of liver regeneration are poorly understood. This research proposal aims to use zebrafish to elucidate the pathways involved in sensing injury and activating an adaptive transcriptional and metabolic response to orchestrate regeneration. Ultimately, this works aims to understand the metabolic requirements for regeneration. Expected outcomes include scholarly publications revealing fundamental principles of regeneration, new resources and pipelines for the research community as well as training for research students.Read moreRead less
Chemerin, A Novel Therapeutic Target For Modulation Of Adipose Tissue Mass
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$535,621.00
Summary
Obesity is a significant public health issue due to its increasing prevalence and association with other diseases including cardiovascular disease. Efforts to pharmacologically prevent and treat obesity are impaired by an incomplete understanding of the genes and metabolic processes involved. This project will use cell and animal models to examine the processes that occur during the expansion of fat tissue which will broaden our understanding of obesity and assist in identifying new therapies.
Action Of PKC Epsilon In Adipose Tissue Regulates Hepatic Glucose Production
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$906,859.00
Summary
Our previous studies implicated the enzyme protein kinase C epsilon (PKCe) in the development of fat-induced insulin resistance, a key aspect of Type 2 Diabetes. Contrary to expectations we have now shown that animals lacking PKCe only in fat are protected from whole body insulin resistance when fed a high-fat diet. This project will investigate the mechanisms through which PKCe in fat affects insulin action at other tissues, especially liver, to disrupt normal control of blood sugar levels.
Molecular Approaches To Cardiac Development, Disease And Regeneration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,910.00
Summary
Prof Harvey’s work explores the molecular and cellular networks that underpin heart development in the embryo and heart regeneration in the adult, and how these networks unravel in heart disease. Based on this knowledge, his work seeks to develop novel approaches for alleviating suffering in babies with congenital heart defects and adults enduring the devastating consequences of heart attack or heart failure.
Identifying A Novel Role For Pigment Epithelium-derived Factor In Obesity-related Metabolic Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$361,637.00
Summary
Obesity is an important factor contributing to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes; however, the factors linking these disorders are not well defined. A protein called PEDF is elevated in obesity and type 2 diabetes. This project will examine how PEDF causes insulin resistance and whether blocking PEDF's actions prevents insulin resistance. Successful completion of this project may lead to therapeutics that reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Signal transduction and the control of bacterial respiration by the NtrYX two component regulatory system. This proposal will define the structural and functional properties of the NtrYX two component signal transduction and define its role in the regulation of respiratory gene expression. The human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae will be used as a model organism for a diverse range of 'oxidase positive' bacteria that possess NtrYX. The outcome will be a major contribution to the understanding of ....Signal transduction and the control of bacterial respiration by the NtrYX two component regulatory system. This proposal will define the structural and functional properties of the NtrYX two component signal transduction and define its role in the regulation of respiratory gene expression. The human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae will be used as a model organism for a diverse range of 'oxidase positive' bacteria that possess NtrYX. The outcome will be a major contribution to the understanding of way in which respiratory gene expression is controlled in bacterial species for which Escherichia coli is not a suitable model. Read moreRead less
The selective elimination of mitochondria from yeast cells: regulation and molecular mechanism . For healthy cells the quality of the mitochondrion, the cellular power plant, must be maintained. The results of this research will contribute to an understanding of the molecular mechanism for the removal of mitochondria from the cell, and ultimately inspire strategies for the treatment of diseases that result from faulty mitochondria.
Heme oxygenase integrates cellular responses to oxygen stress. A deficiency in the protein heme oxygenase-1 causes severe biological consequences including retarded development, chronic inflammation and increased susceptibility to age-associated diseases. By illuminating how heme oxygenase-1 improves cell function the project will eventually assist in preventing or slowing the serious age-associated disorders.