The Role Of Grb10 In The Regulation Of Muscle Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$624,960.00
Summary
Obesity increases the risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Muscle is a key tissue for balancing whether energy is used or stored as fat and as we age, muscle mass normally decreases making maintaining a healthy metabolism even more difficult. We have discovered that removing the Grb10 gene from mice produces bigger muscles. This project will investigate the mechanisms of this effect so that strategies can be developed to regulate muscle mass and improve metabolic health
Role Of UBL-5 In Mitochondrial Function And Glucose Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,539.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, a condition that is characterised by the inability of insulin to elicit its normal function to lower blood sugar levels. The cause of insulin resistance is not known. In this study we will determine the role of a novel gene called UBL-5 to elicit insulin resistance in muscle and fat by generating genetically-induced models in which this gene has been deleted. By understanding the role of UBL-5 in insulin resistance, better therapeutic strategies c ....Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, a condition that is characterised by the inability of insulin to elicit its normal function to lower blood sugar levels. The cause of insulin resistance is not known. In this study we will determine the role of a novel gene called UBL-5 to elicit insulin resistance in muscle and fat by generating genetically-induced models in which this gene has been deleted. By understanding the role of UBL-5 in insulin resistance, better therapeutic strategies can be developed to treat Type 2 diabetes.Read moreRead less
Novel Metabolic Actions Of HDL With Potential Therapeutic Implications For Type 2 Diabetes And The Metabolic Syndrome.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,683.00
Summary
There are currently in excess of 170 million patients diagnosed with type 2 (late onset) diabetes in the world and this figure is expected to double by 2030. Almost one in four Australians 25 years and over has either diabetes or a condition of impaired glucose metabolism. These conditions pose significant problems in terms of both individual suffering and economic burden. Poor diet, sedentary lifestyles with resultant weight gain and increased obesity rates underlie the escalating prevalence of ....There are currently in excess of 170 million patients diagnosed with type 2 (late onset) diabetes in the world and this figure is expected to double by 2030. Almost one in four Australians 25 years and over has either diabetes or a condition of impaired glucose metabolism. These conditions pose significant problems in terms of both individual suffering and economic burden. Poor diet, sedentary lifestyles with resultant weight gain and increased obesity rates underlie the escalating prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Our proposal investigates a novel approach to treat these conditions. We have identified an important link between HDL (good) cholesterol and glucose and fat metabolism in human muscle cells. We have shown that HDL increases glucose uptake into muscle cells. This process would be expected to remove glucose from blood vessels where it causes damage which ultimately contributes to heart attack and stroke. Furthermore, we have shown that HDL increases the amount of fat the body uses. HDL may therefore not only remove damaging fat from blood vessels, but also help to reduce body weight. Our study seeks to determine the relevance of these mechanisms in both healthy individuals and patients with type 2 diabetes. At the conclusion of this grant we expect to understand whether HDL raising strategies may be a an effective new therapy for type 2 diabetes. Specifically, we will understand: 1. how HDL exerts its beneficial effects and 2. whether acute and chronic HDL elevation using drugs improves glucose and fat metabolism in humans.Read moreRead less
Targeting Ceramide Metabolism To Improve Lipid-induced Insulin Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,327.00
Summary
We have shown that the buildup of ceramide in muscle plays a key role in the inhibition of normal insulin action when the body is exposed to excessive amounts of fat, which leads to poor control of blood sugar levels and Type 2 diabetes. Using mass spectrometry we will now measure different ceramide types, to investigate which contribute to defects in insulin action. We will also examine whether enzymes involved in ceramide formation or degradation can be targeted to improve insulin responses.
Novel Metabolic Actions Of HDL With Therapeutic Potential For Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$559,471.00
Summary
Our proposal investigates a novel approach to treat type 2 (late onset) diabetes. We have identified an important link between HDL (good) cholesterol and glucose metabolism. The current proposal is to conduct studies in humans to determine whether therapies which increase HDL result in sustained reduction of blood glucose. Given the escalating global prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, this work is potentially of great significance.