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.
I am a biochemist determining how metabolism is controlled in response to energy supply and demand. This is important in order to understanding how diet and exercise are beneficial to health.
Matching Supply And Demand: How Does Metabolism Fine-tune Signal Transduction?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
Insulin controls nutrient traffic and disrupting its actions are linked to many diseases: type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease. Here, I will test a novel hypothesis that our cells’ metabolic rate, defined by the balance between nutrient supply and energy expenditure, controls how cells respond to insulin. These metabolic regulatory nodes would play a major determinant of many essential functions linked to human health, and thus provide novel therapeutic targets for numerous diseases.
Adipose Triglyceride Lipase: Regulation And Implications For The Aetiology Of Insulin Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$323,453.00
Summary
Obese individuals have elevated fat levels in the blood and muscle, which contributes to the development of other diseases such as type 2 diabetes. A newly discovered protein named adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is essential for fat breakdown. This project aims to identify how ATGL operates and determine whether defective ATGL function leads to type 2 diabetes. These studies will assist in the development of strategies aimed at reducing fatty acids in blood and muscle.
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.
Akt Kinase Signalling, Regulated Vesicular Transport And Lipid Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$337,850.00
Summary
How do metabolic cues tell cancer cells to make more membranes, or fat cells to make more fat? These are some of the questions that underpin this project, which explores the link between cell signalling, protein trafficking and fat metabolism. Specifically, we aim to define the role of an important signalling molecule (Akt) in intracellular transport and activation of a key integrator of fat metabolism (SREBP). This work will have wide-ranging implications for human health and disease.
Manipulation Of Energy Metabolism To Control Lipid Accumulation And Insulin Action.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$804,106.00
Summary
I am a metabolic biochemist investigating how overconsumption of calories, particularly fat, results in dysfunctional energy metabolism and increased the risk of type 2 diabetes. I examine changes in the daily rhythms of energy intake, energy utilisation and energy storage in different tissues of dietary and genetically modified animals to pinpoint novel ways of reducing fat accumulation and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Signaling Pathways To Enhance Potency Of AMPK-targeting Drugs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,966.00
Summary
Sedentary lifestyles and consumption of high energy foods has led to epidemics of obesity-related metabolic diseases that place enormous financial and medical burden on the Australian economy. An attractive drug target to treat these diseases is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which functions as both a cellular fuel gauge and co-ordinator of whole-body metabolism. Our goal is to improve AMPK drug potency by identifying novel processes that sensitize AMPK to drugs.
Metabolic Wiring In Adipocytes - Unique Role In Maintaining Long-term Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,077,886.00
Summary
Fat cell metabolism is wired to optimize the cell’s ability to make and store lipid while programming the cell to fulfil its function in whole body metabolism. We will: 1) map fat cell metabolism under optimal and insulin resistant conditions; 2) explore the role of 3 nodes in his metabolic circuit predicted as control points; 3) use a novel genetically engineered mouse model to explore the functional significance of fat cell metabolism in whole body insulin sensitivity.