Long Acting Insulin: Drug Design, In Vitro Activity Through To Animal Model Efficacy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$445,011.00
Summary
This research will develop novel insulins that possess improved stability and activity for diabetic patients. The improved pharmacological actions of the modified insulins offer increased treatment options for patients eg. enabling less frequent or invasive medication. Our cross-disciplinary team will (i) design and synthesise insulin derivatives, (ii) explore the activity of the modified insulins by biophysical activity profiles in vitro, (iii) evaluate the in vivo stability and clinical effect ....This research will develop novel insulins that possess improved stability and activity for diabetic patients. The improved pharmacological actions of the modified insulins offer increased treatment options for patients eg. enabling less frequent or invasive medication. Our cross-disciplinary team will (i) design and synthesise insulin derivatives, (ii) explore the activity of the modified insulins by biophysical activity profiles in vitro, (iii) evaluate the in vivo stability and clinical effects.Read moreRead less
The amyloid beta (Ab) protein is implicated in Alzheimer’s Disease through its ability to impair brain metabolism. We have recently found that Ab can also impair metabolism in other tissues. This project will determine the role of Ab in regulating whole body metabolism and determine whether it is implicated in the development of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
Conologues: Ultra-fast-acting Therapeutic Insulins Based On Cone Snail Venom Insulin Principles
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,082,866.00
Summary
The increasing prevalence of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes demands better treatments. Our Project is based on a fascinating discovery by our international team of CIs of a new type of insulin within marine organisms that could form the basis of a novel diabetes therapeutic. Within our Project we will exploit this discovery to develop a new class of ultra-rapid-acting therapeutic insulins.
In 2011 there were over 360 million people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes worldwide, who will require insulin treatment. There is an urgent need for insulin analogues that provide effective control of blood glucose to avoid unwanted hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic events. We have developed two novel insulin analogues with unique properties and aim to understand their mechanism of action. This knowledge will present new opportunities for improved insulin mimetics for diabetes treatment.
Metabolic Wiring In Adipocytes - Unique Role In Maintaining Long-term Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,077,886.00
Summary
Fat cell metabolism is wired to optimize the cell’s ability to make and store lipid while programming the cell to fulfil its function in whole body metabolism. We will: 1) map fat cell metabolism under optimal and insulin resistant conditions; 2) explore the role of 3 nodes in his metabolic circuit predicted as control points; 3) use a novel genetically engineered mouse model to explore the functional significance of fat cell metabolism in whole body insulin sensitivity.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in increasing worldwide, the International Diabetes Federation predicting 435 million will have diabetes in 2030. The major driver of the diabetes epidemic is obesity. There is strong evidence linking type 2 diabetes and obesity to an increased risk of cancer. However, the exact mechanism promoting cancer development in obese and diabetic individuals is not clear. This project will examine the effects of high insulin levels on cancer development and progression.
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.