Another happy researcher celebrating a well-earned funding boost from the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI).

Our PhD student Abhishek Singh is the proud recipient of a small grant through the CHIRI-Hands-Up-Support Scheme, which he will use to progress innovative research to explore links between cholesterol in the liver and dietary iron overload.

Abhishek’s research is in collaboration with his supervisor Dr Ross Graham and colleague Associate Professor Cyril Mamotte from CHIRI, and Associate Professor Vincent Williams from Curtin University’s School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, and is part of their investigations into non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Abhishek will use the additional funding to purchase antibodies, reagents and other consumables for more in-depth histological studies of cell tissues and their structure and function, and gene expression analysis.

“Cholesterol and iron metabolism are critical to a healthy liver, and any imbalance can lead to serious health consequences,” Abhishek said.

“To get to work alongside CHIRI’s experienced researchers investigating the mechanisms that underpin the regulation of cholesterol formation is an amazing opportunity for a PhD student.

“To receive additional funding support to take my research project to the next level is a welcome bonus and will hopefully return promising results for future patients with this liver disorder.”

CHIRI Director Professor John Mamo said this research is a prime example of the many innovative lines of research enquiry explored by the institute’s researchers in their efforts to find new preventions and treatments for diseases that commonly occur with older age.

“As an institute, we recognise that a little bit of extra funding can go a long way,” he said. “We are thrilled to be able to support researchers like Abhishek whose research projects are unique and full of potential for making ground-breaking discoveries to help ease the burden of age-related diseases.”