Regulation Of Osteoclast Differentiation And Function By The PKC Pathway.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$424,189.00
Summary
Developing strategies to control the formation of osteoclasts which underlines many disorders such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis has been a major focus of bone research.The proposed research examines the fundamental role of Protein Kinase C (PKC) in bone resorption.This work will help elucidate the role of PKC in osteoclast formation;define the physiological role of PKC in bone structure and bone resorption in vivo and develop the treatment of bone disorders.
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
Trafficking Mechanisms Governing Receptor Availability For Signalling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$526,978.00
Summary
Receptors on the cell surface allow cells to respond to their environment. We have recently discovered a new pathway for controlling the amount of receptors displayed on the cell surface, errors within which will lead to defects in development and diseases like cancer. We are studying how this new pathway controls the balance between how much receptors are destroyed after being activated and how much are recycled back for re-use.
Mechanisms Of PKCepsilon-dependent Regulation Of Beta-cell Lipid Metabolism And Insulin Secretion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,892.00
Summary
Lipid loading of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas contributes to the onset of Type 2 diabetes, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. We have recently established that inhibiting the enzyme PKCe helps restore insulin secretion. By better defining the cellular role of PKCe we will clarify how insulin secretion is disrupted by fatty acids and cholesterol.