The discoveries made to date and the proposed studies point to an intrinsic role for vitamin D compounds in skin in providing protection from sun damage. As a result of sun exposure, increased concentrations of vitamin D compounds in skin will be generated and this is likely to provide protection against further UV damage, in much the same way as increased pigmentation and increased thickness of the outer layer of skin. Furthermore, the studies are designed to test whether vitamin D compounds wh ....The discoveries made to date and the proposed studies point to an intrinsic role for vitamin D compounds in skin in providing protection from sun damage. As a result of sun exposure, increased concentrations of vitamin D compounds in skin will be generated and this is likely to provide protection against further UV damage, in much the same way as increased pigmentation and increased thickness of the outer layer of skin. Furthermore, the studies are designed to test whether vitamin D compounds which have minimal effects on serum calcium, could nevertheless be used topically in association with a sunscreen or moisturizer to add to sun protection. As Australia has the highest skin cancer rates in the world, this would be of significant health and economic value.Read moreRead less
Mitochondrial Sirtuins, Energy Metabolism And Insulin Action
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$582,925.00
Summary
Post-translational modification of lysine residues has a major influence on protein function. Many mitochondrial proteins are affected by lysine modifications and recent work has described a role for sirtuin enzymes in regulating these processes. This proposal will investigate whether targeted increases in sirtuin activity can improve mitochondrial function and insulin action in mouse models of obesity and insulin resistance.
Investigation Of The Mechanism By Which Medium Chain Fatty Acids Prevent The Development Of Obesity And Insulin Resistance - What Role For GPR84?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$512,541.00
Summary
Medium chain fatty acids do not induce the same degree of obesity and insulin resistance as long chain fatty acids and this is due to changes in metabolism in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. In this proposal we will investigate whether medium chain fatty acids induce their beneficial effects by interacting with a specific G protein-coupled receptor named GPR84. This receptor may be a new therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic diseases.
Is CYP11A1 Critical For The Vitamin D Photoprotective System In Skin?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$517,567.00
Summary
Sunlight produces DNA damage. When inadequately repaired, this damage produces skin cancer. The vitamin D system in skin helps protect against this skin damage, but the vitamin D compounds involved and how they work is unclear. Recent data shows new vitamin D compounds with photoprotective activity and that vitamin D compounds increased expression of DNA repair proteins. These studies may enable pharmacological enhancement of protection from sunlight.
Impact Of Islet Beta Cell Heparan Sulfate In Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$576,777.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disease which ultimately leads to the death of insulin-producing islet beta cells, elevated blood sugar levels and daily insulin injections. Since beta cells require the complex sugar heparan sulfate (HS) for survival, we will investigate whether beta cell failure in T2D results from defective HS production. HS replacement will be evaluated as a new therapeutic strategy for preserving beta cell function and preventing the need for insulin injections.