I am a scientist with a background in molecular and cellular pathology. My research relates to studies of animals models of diabetic kidney and heart disease focusing on the discovery of novel treatments.
Glycaemia And Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes In Patients With Diabetes And CKD: Methodology, Relationship And
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$143,661.00
Summary
Diabetes is increasing and now the primary cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). At present the care of people with diabetes and CKD aims to achieve normal blood glucose levels in the safest possible way in order to prevent acute and chronic complications and improve outcomes and quality of life. In this project we will examine the best means by which to measure, monitor and treat blood glucose levels in such people and explore the effect of intensive blood glucose control.
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.
The Role Of Liver Fructose-1,6-phosphatase (FBPase) In Body Weight Regulation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$494,718.00
Summary
We have shown that fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase), an enzyme important in producing sugar from the liver and one that is connected to Type 2 diabetes, does not cause an increase in sugar production when there is more of the enzyme in mouse livers. It does, however, lower both body weight and the amount of food the mice consume. We therefore hypothesise that liver FBPase is important in controlling body weight in humans and our project aims to find out exactly how and why this happens.
Reversal Of Diabetes In Pigs Using Liver-directed Gene Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$573,807.00
Summary
Type I diabetes mellitus is caused by the autoimmune destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas that secrete insulin. We have shown that we can cure diabetes in spontaneously diabetic mice by delivery of the insulin gene to the liver using a non-pathogenic viral delivery system. The study aims to repeat this work in pigs which have similar physiology to humans. If successful this would be proof-of-principle that we could theoretically control blood glucose levels in humans.
Hormonal Predictors Of Cardiovascular Outcomes And Mortality In Ageing Men: The Role Of Androgens And The IGF System.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$125,035.00
Summary
As men age levels of testosterone and growth hormone fall while ill health increases. We do not know if low hormone levels directly cause heart disease. We will measure testosterone and IGF1, which reflects growth hormone, in 4,200 older men, and relate hormone levels to the future risk of ill health especially heart disease, stroke and large artery blockages. This will clarify whether low hormone levels increase risk of ill health, and the value of studies to test hormone therapy in older men.
Osteoblast Control Of Mesenchymal Progenitor Cell Differentiation: The Role Of Glucocorticoids And Wnt Signalling.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,131.00
Summary
Osteoporosis is an important and growing health issue. Reduced ability to make new bone is an important cause of osteoporosis. In this project we will study how the immature cells which eventually make bone are recruited and controlled. In particular, we will study how genes coding for important growth factors are regulated so that the proper signals are sent to young cells to induce them to become bone-making rather than fat-making cells.
I am an academic clinician who has a principal interest in all aspects of diabetes, especially treatment and complications, and who is also involved in studies of antimalarial pharmacology.