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.
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.
Molecular Characterization Of SEIPIN Function: Implications For Lipogenesis And Adipogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$767,468.00
Summary
Obesity and type II diabetes have become a major health threat to Australians. This project aims to understand how fat is made and stored. Results from this research may lead to novel therapeutic strategies against obesity and diabetes.
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.
The Role Of Oxyterol-binding Protein-related Protein 5 (ORP5) In Cellular Lipid Storage And Whole Body Energy Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$758,472.00
Summary
Fat is stored in the form of lipid droplets in our cells and body. However, our knowledge on how lipid droplets grow and are broken down is very limited. We aim to investigate how lipids are delivered to the lipid droplets and how lipid droplets can store lipids efficiently. Results from the proposed work will provide fundamental new knowledge on how our cells store and utilize fat. Such knowledge may be translated into therapeutic strategies one day against obesity and diabetes.
The Role Of Raptor And Rictor Signalling Pathways In Osteogenesis And Mesenchymal Stem Cell Fate Determination
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,742.00
Summary
Skeletal diseases associated with excessive bone loss and skeletal fragility, such as osteoporosis, affect 2.2 million Australians and cost our health system approximately $7.4 billion per annum. Studies from our laboratory suggest a critical role for the mTOR signalling pathway in bone development. Using transgenic animals and state-of-the-art techniques, we will investigate the role of mTOR in pre- and post-natal skeletal development. Results from these studies may provide novel approaches to ....Skeletal diseases associated with excessive bone loss and skeletal fragility, such as osteoporosis, affect 2.2 million Australians and cost our health system approximately $7.4 billion per annum. Studies from our laboratory suggest a critical role for the mTOR signalling pathway in bone development. Using transgenic animals and state-of-the-art techniques, we will investigate the role of mTOR in pre- and post-natal skeletal development. Results from these studies may provide novel approaches to treat age-related bone loss syndromes.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Adipose Tissue Cholesterol In Metabolic Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$888,340.00
Summary
Adipose tissue is important for human health. Adipose tissue can normally store a significant amount of cholesterol. Impairment of this function will cause a number of devastating diseases such as heart disease and stroke. The proposed work will help understand how adipose tissue store cholesterol. Results from this work may lead to novel therapeutic strategies against obesity and heart disease.
Obesity increases the risk of developing diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, however not all obese people develop such diseases. Obese subjects with small fat cells are typically healthier than those with fewer, large fat cells. The applicants have identified a novel pathway that promotes the generation of new fat cells. This project will increase understanding of this pathway and may, ultimately, lead to new therapies that manipulate fat cell number and reduce obesity related di ....Obesity increases the risk of developing diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, however not all obese people develop such diseases. Obese subjects with small fat cells are typically healthier than those with fewer, large fat cells. The applicants have identified a novel pathway that promotes the generation of new fat cells. This project will increase understanding of this pathway and may, ultimately, lead to new therapies that manipulate fat cell number and reduce obesity related disease.Read moreRead less