I am a clinician scientist and fully trained nephrologist. My research involves preclinical and clinical translational approaches to identify new targets and to develop new treatments to prevent, reverse and retard diabetes related micro-and macrovascular
The Role Of Insulin Hypersecretion In Beta Cell Dysfunction In Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,622.00
Summary
The treatment of diabetes involves the use of drugs that stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas to reduce the high blood sugar levels. However, we believe that while in the short term this is a good strategy, in the long-term it damages the cells that produce insulin leading to a worsening state of diabetes. It is the aim of this application to understand the mechanisms by which the insulin producing cells are damaged when forced to oversecrete insulin.
I am a physiologist and my diabetes research involves a preclinical approach to address the issue of diabetes and its major renal and cardiovascular complications
Prof Cooper’s diabetes research encompasses basic mechanisms through to translational research and major clinical trials in order to address the issue of diabetes and in particular the prevention and management of its major renal and cardiovascular complications.
The Role Of Vitamin D In Beta Cell Function, Glucose Tolerance And Diabetes Mellitus.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$102,820.00
Summary
A significant proportion of Australians are deficient in Vitamin D, a vitamin obtained from sunlight exposure and to a lesser extent from food. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. This study aims to demonstrate the mechanisms through which vitamin D affects the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas and to determine whether deficiency affects the body's handling of glucose and subsequent risk of Type 2 diabetes and diabetes in pregnancy.
I am a cellular physiologist investigating the role of ion channels, receptors and intracellular signalling systems in the control of hormone secretion from endocrine cells, contraction of cardiac myocytes and to a lesser extent, growth of endometrium can
The Role Of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Stress In Pancreatic Beta-cell Dysfunction.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,775.00
Summary
Diabetes results from pancreatic ß-cell failure which is characterised by insulin secretory defects and ß-cell destruction. This is mediated by inflammatory cytokines in type 1 diabetes and by high levels of fat in type 2 diabetes. The mechanisms by which ß-cells fail remain to be clarified but they are important considering the current epidemic of diabetes in Australia. This project will enhance our understanding of ß-cell failure and may provide therapeutic targets for diabetes treatment.
The Role Of Renin-angiotensin And Growth Factors In Developmental And Pathological Neovascularization In The Retina
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$342,562.00
Summary
In the normal retina of newborn babies, the blood vessels in the inner layers are not fully formed. These vessels are probably stimulated to grow by a reduction in retinal oxygen, which initiates the production of growth agents in retinal cells. Once the new vessels are formed the oxygen level of the retina becomes normal, and both the growth agents and blood vessel growth are reduced. A prolonged reduction in oxygen levels in the retina can have serious consequences for vision. Indeed, in some ....In the normal retina of newborn babies, the blood vessels in the inner layers are not fully formed. These vessels are probably stimulated to grow by a reduction in retinal oxygen, which initiates the production of growth agents in retinal cells. Once the new vessels are formed the oxygen level of the retina becomes normal, and both the growth agents and blood vessel growth are reduced. A prolonged reduction in oxygen levels in the retina can have serious consequences for vision. Indeed, in some eye diseases new blood vessel growth is excessive and the vessels are not properly formed, which leads to hemorrhage and ultimately blindness. Such events occur when the oxygen environment of premature babies is reduced after placement in high oxygen incubators. Also, in long-term diabetes, the oxygen levels of the retina falls as the retinal vessels become damaged. To understand the events that cause new vessel growth in retinal development and disease requires identification of the growth agents and their location in the retina. Very recently it has been found that the growth agent renin-angiotensin is made in the retina, and that its blockade in diabetic patients slows the progression of new retinal vessel growth. Renin-angiotensin is likely to cause its growth effects by increasing the production of other retinal growth agents. This proposal will study the role of renin-angiotensin and other growth agents in the developing newborn rat retina and in eye diseases. This information may lead to a further understanding of how blood vessels form in the retinas of newborn babies, and the production of new treatments for eye diseases characterized by blood vessel growth in the retina.Read moreRead less