Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) control cell communication networks referred to as cellular signaling. This proposal is focused on understanding the roles of PTPs in cellular signaling networks perturbed in human disease & delineating novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention
Role Of Sphingolipid Signalling In Hepatic Insulin Resistance And Its Application In Prediction Of Risk For Type 2 Diabetes And Prediabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,305.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes is expected to reach epidemic proportions in the coming decades. Prediabetes is usually unrecognized and constitutes a major public health concern that needs earlier interventions, because the majority of prediabetic subjects proceed to T2D. We have identified an enzyme that plays an important role in insulin signalling. The possibility is that the level or activity of this enzyme is a potential biomarker of the prediabetes state and could be also used as a target
The Structure And Function Of The Apical Domain In Insulin Secreting Beta Cells.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$571,741.00
Summary
Loss of control of insulin secretion is causal in diabetes and therefore its understanding is a key goal to shed light on the disease. We have recently identified a new domain in the insulin secreting cells, called the apical domain. This proposal will define the role of this apical domain in controlling insulin secretion. The outcomes could provide new insights into how diabetes develops and new targets for therapies.
An AMPK Myristoyl Switch Controls AMP Mediated Metabolic Stress Signaling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,820.00
Summary
This project is investigating an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase that plays a pivotal role in controlling how our bodies regulate energy metabolism in response to exercise and diet. Improved understanding of how this enzyme is regulated may provide new therapeutic methods for mimicking the beneficial effects of diet and exercise to treat multiple metabolic diseases including obesity, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.