Molecular Characterisation Of Transverse Tubule Development In Skeletal Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$951,321.00
Summary
Muscle fibres contain an elaborate system of membranes that allow the fibre to contract. This proposal aims to understand how this membrane system develops and how this process is disrupted in disease.
Sphingosine Kinase As A Target Therapeutic For Obesity Induced Insulin Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,390.00
Summary
Obesity is linked to the development of insulin resistance and diabetes, which represent a significant health issue in Australia. A number of factors contribute to the development of insulin resistance, including defective fatty acid metabolism. This study proposes to investigate whether manipulating sphingosine kinase, a key enzyme in lipid metabolism, affects the development of insulin resistance. These studies may identify novel targets for the treatment of insulin resistance and diabetes.
The Regulation Of Insulin Action In Liver And Skeletal Muscle By Protein Kinase C Epsilon
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,604.00
Summary
We have identified an enzyme, protein kinase C epsilon, which has a major negative impact on the control of blood glucose levels. We will now examine the mechansisms by which it affects insulin action in liver and muscle, two major target tissues of the hormone responsible for glucose disposal. This work is expected to validate PKCepsilon or its downstream effectors as therapeutic targets in the treatment of the insulin resistance which accompanies obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
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.
The Role Of Seipin In Adipocyte Development And Lipid Droplet Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,258.00
Summary
The prevalence of obesity and its related disorders has reached an alarming level in Australia and other developed countries. Obesity is characterized by the accumulation of fully-differentiated adipocytes loaded with lipid droplets (LDs). We aim to characterize seipin, which regulate both lipid droplet formation and adipocyte differentiation. Results from our proposed studies may offer novel therapeutic strategies against human obesity.