The focus of my research is mechanisms of growth factor receptor signal transduction and how they are altered in specific disease states, particularly cancer.
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.
Pancreatic Islet Inflammation And Its Role In Diabetes And Islet Transplantation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$707,370.00
Summary
Diabetes is a major health epidemic & diabetic complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in our community. My studies have increased our understanding of how inflammation contributes to diabetes but also directly led to the discovery of novel therapies that are been trialed in patients with type 1 diabetes undergoing islet cell transplants. My studies have increased our knowledge of the factors that lead to type 1 diabetes and the development of new treatments.
Gastric Counter-regulation Of Hypoglycaemia: Studies In Health And Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$357,193.00
Summary
Insulin injections are often needed to treat diabetes, but they can cause low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia), which are usually distressing, and sometimes fatal. The stomach is important in regulating blood sugar; in response to hypoglycaemia, it empties food much more rapidly, allowing carbohydrate to be absorbed faster to normalise blood sugar levels. The proposed studies will explore this important area, in order to develop better ways of preventing and treating hypoglycaemia.
Casting The Net: A New Approach To Identify Therapeutics To Treat Type-2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,068,283.00
Summary
The discovery of treatments for type-2 diabetes (T2D) is a national health priority. In T2D, cells in the brain become 'insulin resistant' resulting in dangerously high blood sugar levels. There are no treatments for brain insulin resistance. The extracellular structures that surround brain cells undergo change in T2D, resulting in insulin resistance. By furthering understanding of these extracellular brain structures, this proposal will identify new drug targets to treat T2D.
IL-22 As A Suppressor Of Pancreatic ?-Cell Stress And A Treatment For Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$854,490.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes occurs when pancreatic beta cells fail to produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. We have discovered that the IL-22 protein produced by immune cells protects beta cells from stress. Diabetic mice given IL-22 show restored control of blood sugar levels. The proposed research will take steps to safely introduce IL-22 based therapy into the clinic and gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of action of IL-22.
Targeting RCAN1 To Treat Type 2 Diabetes And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$814,468.00
Summary
Obesity and impaired insulin secretion are significant contributors to Type 2 diabetes. In this project we demonstrate that a protein called RCAN1 contributes to both fat mass and insulin secretion and that this contribution is exacerbated in obesity and in Type 2 diabetes. We will identify how RCAN1 controls these major metabolic pathways with outcomes including the development of new therapeutics for obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
IMPlementaion ACTion To Prevent DIABETES From Bump 2 Baby (IMPACT DIABETES B2B)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$497,609.00
Summary
The IMPACT BUMP 2 BABY (DB2B) multicentre international European Union co-funded program aims to improve healthy lifestyle to prevent gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes in high risk women and improve the health of their babies over the first 1000 days. Australia is one of four countries that will lead and undertake this work to co-design, implement and evaluate a novel, low cost ,supportive lifestyle intervention for the 30% of women at risk of these conditions in pregnancy and beyond.
Childhood Diabetes: Translating Evidence Into Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,014.00
Summary
Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. The burden of disease on the individual, their family and the community is enormous. The goal of this fellowship is to utilise evidence-based research to inform health policy and enhance the care of young people with diabetes. The proposal addresses patterns of disease in Australia, environmental triggers for diabetes, and care of the young person with diabetes through implementation of national evidence based clinical care ....Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. The burden of disease on the individual, their family and the community is enormous. The goal of this fellowship is to utilise evidence-based research to inform health policy and enhance the care of young people with diabetes. The proposal addresses patterns of disease in Australia, environmental triggers for diabetes, and care of the young person with diabetes through implementation of national evidence based clinical care guidelines for type 1 diabetes.Read moreRead less