A Novel Lipid Sensitive Kinase And Its Role In Obesity-induced Inflammation And Insulin Resistance.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,045.00
Summary
It is now apparent that obesity leads to chronic low grade inflammation which results in insulin resistance or pre-diabetes. The mechanisms that link obesity-induced inflammation to insulin resistance are not well understood, but involve lipid oversupply. We have preliminary data identifying that a protein, not known to previously play a role in metabolic diseases, is a critical mediator of lipid-induced inflammation. We will investigate the clinical potential of blocking this protein.
Can Blocking Fatty Acid Transport In Myeloid Cells Prevent Insulin Resistance?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,294.00
Summary
Over the past 5 years it has become apparent that blood cells can become inflamed as people become obese. These inflamed blood cells can contribute to insulin resistance or pre-diabetes. Our hypothesis is that these blood cells become inflamed because they take up fat via fatty acid transporters. Our approach is to knock out one of these fatty acid transporters specifically in blood cells and reduce inflammation and insulin resistance due to overnutrition.