Can exercise and improved nutrition normalise rat skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis following growth restriction? [ 2007 - 2009 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Glenn Mcconell (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Glenn Wadley ,  Prof Mary Wlodek

Brief description Being born small is associated with the development of adult diseases such as insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Mitochondria are responsible for generating energy within all cells and impaired mitochondrial function is implicated in the development of these diseases. We have exciting preliminary data demonstrating that being born small impairs the synthesis of mitochondria in adult rat skeletal muscles. This project will determine if lifestyle interventions such as exercise and improved nutrition after birth in rats that were born small can normalise the molecular signals responsible for mitochondrial synthesis in muscle. Understanding these mechanisms responsible for mitochondrial function will provide insight into early life interventions that may lessen the adverse consequences of being born small. This research will increase the likelihood that practical public health interventions can be developed to improve adult health.

Funding Amount $AUD 338,128.04

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant