Does Mitochondrial Metabolism In Neurons Act To Link Peripheral Metabolic State To Motivated Food-seeking Behaviour?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,697.00
Summary
Obesity, and its associated pathologies, is a major disease concern. The brain systems that regulate food intake and body weight break down under the strain of obesity and this creates a vicious cycle where failure to regulate metabolism promotes further weight gain. I am investigating how the mitochondrial enzyme CPT1c regulates these brain systems, and whether obesity impairs CPT1c function. Understanding CPT1c function in the brain will help us understand the causes of obesity and diabetes.
The Role Of GAPDH Acetylation And HDAC6 In Liver Metabolism And Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$635,428.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterised by persistent elevated blood glucose levels. Altered liver metabolism is a key contributor to elevated blood glucose levels in T2D, through uncontrolled synthesis and release of glucose. This project will examine whether regulation of a metabolic enzyme called GAPDH by a process termed acetylation, contributes to normal liver glucose metabolism. This project will also assess whether altered GAPDH acetylation contributes to hyperglycaemia in T2D.
This research is directed toward an understanding of the role of the brain and other organs in the control of how much food we eat, how much energy we expend and how energy sources such as fat and glucose are used and stored. We use animals to help provide this information and focus on areas of body weight control ranging from models of bariatric surgery to studies of the ways that weight loss drugs act in the brain to reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure.