Hepatic Oxidative Stress, PTPs & STAT Signalling In Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,086,547.00
Summary
Obesity is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Obesity is causally linked to the development of insulin resistance, a prelude to type 2 diabetes. In this proposal we will define a novel liver centric mechanism by which insulin resistance and oxidative stress may promote the development of morbid obesity, type 2 diabetes and liver disease.
Regulation Of Hypothalamic Insulin & Leptin Signalling By TCPTP
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$758,504.00
Summary
Insulin & leptin signal in the brain to lower blood glucose, suppress food intake, increase activity & increase energy expenditure. Obesity diminishes the abilities of insulin & leptin to signal. This proposal will determine if the enzyme TCPTP terminates insulin & leptin signaling in the brain. Our studies will provide insight into the molecular causes of obesity & may identify a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity & type 2 diabetes.
Regulation Of Insulin Sensitivity By Reactive Oxygen Species
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,644.00
Summary
In morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes chronic levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are detrimental and diminish insulin's ability to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Paradoxically, ROS also promote insulin action by inhibiting enzymes known as protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). This proposal will determine whether the promotion of ROS for the inhibition of PTPs early in the progression of type 2 diabetes may be of therapeutic benefit.
Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Analogues In The Treatment Of Diabetic Complications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$418,446.00
Summary
Treatment of diabetes has become an even greater challenge to our community today. The ill health from diabetes arises from the high blood sugar levels. Treatment of diabetic complications such as kidney damage has now become a major goal. This research addresses this problem by trying to find out if a group of novel polyunsaturated fatty acids can target the process initiated by high blood sugar responsible for kidney damage.
Role Of Macrophages In Lipotoxic Beta Cell Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$612,736.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects 7% of Australians and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. A failure of insulin secretion contributes to T2D, and this is linked to the inability of insulin producing ?-cells to use lipids appropriately (lipotoxicity). Here we will study the role of the immune system and how this inhibits insulin secretion in T2D