Targeting Skeletal MTORC1 As A Novel Approach For The Treatment Of Diet-induced Insulin Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,979.00
Summary
Diet-induced insulin resistance is a pathology that underlies type 2 diabetes. Elucidating the pathways and tissues that contribute to this condition is crucial for drug development. The skeleton has emerged as a critical insulin target tissue. We provide evidence that suppression of mTORC1, a complex over-activated by nutrients, in bone cells improves insulin sensitivity. In this study, we will determine if blocking mTORC1 function in bone cells can treat diet-induced insulin resistance.
Glutathione Transferase Zeta: A Novel Regulator Of Glucose And Lipid Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,143.00
Summary
Obesity is a problem of global significance as a cause of preventable illness and death. The many consequences of obesity including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and osteoarthritis are an increasing burden on affected subjects and on the health care system. Our recent studies have revealed a novel pathway for the regulation of obesity. This discovery has provided a new target for the development of drugs for obesity and related disorders.
Our goal is to discover new mechanisms involved in our cells’ delicate balancing act with respect to cholesterol levels. Understanding how production of cholesterol is controlled in our cells is key to developing new drugs aimed at preventing its excessive accumulation. This will have long-term benefits for health considering that a cellular imbalance in cholesterol is involved in two of the most common conditions threatening the health of Australians, namely heart disease and Alzheimer’s diseas ....Our goal is to discover new mechanisms involved in our cells’ delicate balancing act with respect to cholesterol levels. Understanding how production of cholesterol is controlled in our cells is key to developing new drugs aimed at preventing its excessive accumulation. This will have long-term benefits for health considering that a cellular imbalance in cholesterol is involved in two of the most common conditions threatening the health of Australians, namely heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.Read moreRead less
Control Of Anabolic And Catabolic Pathways By AMPK
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$946,402.00
Summary
This project focuses on the role of the metabolic stress-sensing enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the control of glucose and fat metabolism. AMPK has been linked to the regulation of exercise capacity, longevity and the control of insulin sensitivity. This is important for our understanding of the metabolic dimensions of our Nations most important health problems including, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, neurodegeneration as well as other age onset diseases.