Functional relationships of gastrin and its regulators in the developing and diseased gastrointestinal tracts [ 2000 - 2004 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Arthur Shulkes (Principal investigator)

Brief description Gastrin is a hormone from the stomach which aids digestion by stimulating acid secretion. However too much acid can cause ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrin also stimulates growth of the lining of the stomach and intestines. This growth promoting effect is important for the development of the gastrointestinal tract before birth and may also be involved in a number of cancers especially colon cancer. Several different forms of gastrin are made by endocrine cells of the stomach and by cancers of the colon. It seems that the different types of gastrins have different effects and act through distinct receptors. The production and effects of gastrin are mediated in part by the local factor histamine and modified by the hormone somatostatin. The amount, type and activity of gastrin, and the interactions with histamine and somatostatin, will be measured in foetal and newborn animals, and people with or at risk of developing colon cancer.

Funding Amount $AUD 607,832.09

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project with Research Fellowship