The Role Of The Novel Gene Herpud1 In Insulin Secretion In Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$502,370.00
Summary
A reduced ability to secrete insulin is the cause of high blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. This study has identified a gene called Herpud1 that affects insulin secretion. By studying the effects of this gene we are improving our knowledge of the defects that occur in Type 2 diabetes. This has the potential of providing better therapeutic strategies and identifying targets for the developments of better drug development.
Targeting Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Biosynthesis To Improve Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$844,596.00
Summary
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a cellular metabolite that regulates many biological processes. NAD levels decline with age and also in obesity and interventions that increase NAD levels produce favourable metabolic effects. In this proposal we will utilise a range of novel experimental models to define the molecular pathways that mediate the beneficial effects of NAD.
Thalassaemia is the most common blood disorder worldwide. In severe cases, life-long blood transfusions are needed to survive but complications including iron overload and bone disease can occur. Deferasirox, a drug used to treat iron overload has been linked to kidney stones and bone loss in these patients through increased loss of calcium in the urine. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether bone loss can be reversed by using a diuretic or an alternative iron chelator.
Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-2 Is A Crucial Activator Of Aggressive Behaviour In Cancer Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,885.00
Summary
The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, required for normal development and adult life, is often altered in many diseases including cancer. Key regulators of the IGF system are the IGF binding protein (IGFBP) of which IGFBP-2 is the 2nd most abundant. IGFBP-2 may enhance or inhibit the IGFs, but the mechanisms are not clear. This proposal aims to dissect IGFBP-2 action with the ultimate goal to provide knowledge for the development of targeted therapeutic modulators of IGFBP-2 activity.
Understanding Sphingolipid Mediators Of Insulin Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,447.00
Summary
Sphingolipids are a class of lipid metabolites that have a variety of functions within cells. It has been known for some time that an accumulation of excess lipid, including certain sphingolipids, can adversely impact insulin action and glucose metabolism in cells. In this project we will a combination of strategies to test the hypothesis that the sphingolipid profile can be manipulated to have favourable effects on metabolism.
Targeting Insulin Hypersecretion To Prevent Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$834,596.00
Summary
Diabetes develops when islet beta-cells fail to secrete insulin. While major differences exist in the mechanisms by which type 1 and type 2 diabetes develop, there is overlap in beta-cell susceptibility factors. We will investigate whether an islet 'overwork' response to excess nutrient loads underlies beta-cell susceptibility to failure in both types of diabetes. We will also develop novel pharmacological approaches to reduce islet 'overwork' to prevent and treat type 1 and 2 diabetes.