Targeted Development Of AMPK Β2-isoform Allosteric Activators
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$898,147.00
Summary
Sedentary lifestyles and consumption of high energy foods has led to dramatic increases in the incidence of diseases associated with metabolic dysregulation e.g. type 2 diabetes. An attractive drug target to treat these diseases is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which functions as a cellular fuel gauge. We have discovered a new drug that crucially activates the form of AMPK found in metabolically active organs. We aim to develop this drug to unlock new therapeutic opportunity.
Interplay Between Metabolic Reprogramming And Oncogenic Signalling In The Cellular Response To Chemotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$654,035.00
Summary
Chemotherapy resistance is a major barrier to the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We seek to uncover an intimate link between cell metabolism and oncogenic signalling pathways in regulating the cellular response to chemotherapy. Our studies will identify a critical mechanism limiting the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy and investigate combination therapy strategies that could improve the treatment of TNBC.
Matching Supply And Demand: How Does Metabolism Fine-tune Signal Transduction?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
Insulin controls nutrient traffic and disrupting its actions are linked to many diseases: type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease. Here, I will test a novel hypothesis that our cells’ metabolic rate, defined by the balance between nutrient supply and energy expenditure, controls how cells respond to insulin. These metabolic regulatory nodes would play a major determinant of many essential functions linked to human health, and thus provide novel therapeutic targets for numerous diseases.
Metabolic Wiring In Adipocytes - Unique Role In Maintaining Long-term Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,077,886.00
Summary
Fat cell metabolism is wired to optimize the cell’s ability to make and store lipid while programming the cell to fulfil its function in whole body metabolism. We will: 1) map fat cell metabolism under optimal and insulin resistant conditions; 2) explore the role of 3 nodes in his metabolic circuit predicted as control points; 3) use a novel genetically engineered mouse model to explore the functional significance of fat cell metabolism in whole body insulin sensitivity.
Chemerin, A Novel Therapeutic Target For Modulation Of Adipose Tissue Mass
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$535,621.00
Summary
Obesity is a significant public health issue due to its increasing prevalence and association with other diseases including cardiovascular disease. Efforts to pharmacologically prevent and treat obesity are impaired by an incomplete understanding of the genes and metabolic processes involved. This project will use cell and animal models to examine the processes that occur during the expansion of fat tissue which will broaden our understanding of obesity and assist in identifying new therapies.
Elucidating The Molecular Regulation Of Gp130 Complex Signalling In Lipid And Glucose Metabolism.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$387,489.00
Summary
Overnutrition promotes obesity, which greatly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We have provided evidence that activation of gp130 signalling may enhance insulin action and fatty acid oxidation in metabolically active tissues. My research proposal aims to elucidate the molecular regulation of gp130 complex signalling in lipid and glucose metabolism in important metabolic tissues.