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.
Unravelling A New Fatty Acid Pathway Involved In Neuroexocytosis And Memory
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$539,631.00
Summary
This proposal build on the establishment by our laboratory of the assay capable of detecting free fatty acids, with great accuracy and sensitivity. Using this assay we have uncovered a completely new pathway highlighting the production of saturated free fatty acids linked to learning and memory. We will fully define how this pathway is regulated in the brain.
The Role Of Phosphatidic Acid In Lipid Storage And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,169.00
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 examine the role of phosphatidic acid in lipid droplet formation and adipocyte differentiation. Results from our proposed studies may offer novel therapeutic strategies against human obesity and type II diabetes.
Elucidating The Mechanism And Function Of Extracellular Vesicle Formation During Cell Death
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
In humans, billions of cells will die daily as part of normal turnover in various organs. It is vital that dying cells are rapidly removed as their accumulation has been linked to autoimmunity and inflammation. To aid efficient removal of dead cells, dying cells can disassemble into smaller fragments for neighbouring cells to engulf. We aim to understand the machinery that control how dying cells can disassemble into smaller pieces and their function in efficient cell clearance and autoimmunity.
Lipid Trafficking At Membrane Contact Sites: The Role Of Oxysterol-Binding Protein-Related Protein 5 And 8 (ORP5 And ORP8)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,400.00
Summary
Abnormal subcellular lipid distribution is associated with a number of common diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. The overall aim of this proposal is to identify and characterize new molecules that regulate the transport of lipids between different cell membranes. Results from the proposed studies will help developing novel therapeutic agents against common human diseases.