Type 2 diabetes is a health crisis in Australia. In this project, we will investigate the mechanisms whereby high glucose and fat impair pancreatic beta-cell function leading to type 2 diabetes. We will establish how endoplasmic reticulum stress and the protein Id1 are linked with loss of beta-cell gene expression and function. The information gained will further our understanding of the basic mechanisms regulating insulin secretion and provide new therapeutic targets for diabetes treatment.
Role Of UBL-5 In Mitochondrial Function And Glucose Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,539.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, a condition that is characterised by the inability of insulin to elicit its normal function to lower blood sugar levels. The cause of insulin resistance is not known. In this study we will determine the role of a novel gene called UBL-5 to elicit insulin resistance in muscle and fat by generating genetically-induced models in which this gene has been deleted. By understanding the role of UBL-5 in insulin resistance, better therapeutic strategies c ....Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, a condition that is characterised by the inability of insulin to elicit its normal function to lower blood sugar levels. The cause of insulin resistance is not known. In this study we will determine the role of a novel gene called UBL-5 to elicit insulin resistance in muscle and fat by generating genetically-induced models in which this gene has been deleted. By understanding the role of UBL-5 in insulin resistance, better therapeutic strategies can be developed to treat Type 2 diabetes.Read moreRead less
How Intra-abdominal Transplantation Of Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Prevents High-fat Diet-induced Insulin Resistance And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,465.00
Summary
In obese humans, storing excess fat within the abdomen is associated with the development of adult-onset diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms linking intra-abdominal fat accumulation with these diseases are not well understood. We have studied intra-abdominal fat accumulation in mice using a transplant model, and we have found that transplanting subcutaneous fat intra-abdominally prevents diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance. We aim to investigate the underlying m ....In obese humans, storing excess fat within the abdomen is associated with the development of adult-onset diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms linking intra-abdominal fat accumulation with these diseases are not well understood. We have studied intra-abdominal fat accumulation in mice using a transplant model, and we have found that transplanting subcutaneous fat intra-abdominally prevents diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance. We aim to investigate the underlying mechanisms.Read moreRead less
How Does Paternal Obesity Influence Offspring Glucose Tolerance?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$503,398.00
Summary
Obesity and diabetes are closely related to these conditions in either parent, but how the father contributes is unclear. We have shown that normal females mated with obese fathers consuming high fat diet, produce offspring who develop glucose intolerance and impaired insulin secretion. This work will examine the mechanisms underlying this effect in the rat, testing a novel role for environmental factors in the father on disease in offspring that may be relevant to the growing obesity epidemic.
Impact Of Sleep In Pregnancy On Maternal And Child Weight-related Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
The project aims to reduce obesity in future generations by understanding the link between sleep in pregnancy and weight-related health outcomes (diet, weight gain, body composition, glucose tolerance). Results will enable the development of sleep guidelines for pregnancy and an intervention to optimise health. This will inform pregnant women, health professionals and future obesity prevention policies on the effects of poor sleep on diet, metabolism and adiposity during pregnancy and beyond.
A Novel Role For Alzheimer Tau Protein In Insulin Secretion And Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,023,712.00
Summary
There is a strong association between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, however the reason for this is not known. In Azheimer's disease a protein called tau does not function normally and contributes to the declining cognitive function. We have shown that when tau is absent, this lowers blood glucose and reduces the hallmark defects that contribute to type 2 diabetes. By understanding how tau works we may be able to provide better therapeutic agents to treat type 2 diabetes.
The Role Of Nitric Oxide In The Regulation Of Skeletal Muscle Glucose Uptake During Exercise
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$249,250.00
Summary
When a muscle is at rest it takes up and uses glucose from the blood. When that muscle is stimulated to contract it increases its glucose use to provide, in part, the energy for that contraction. These facts have been known for decades but the muscle signals involved with the movement of glucose from the blood into skeletal muscle remain poorly understood. Very recently, a new potential regulator of skeletal muscle glucose uptake has surfaced. Nitric oxide (NO), which has been shown to participa ....When a muscle is at rest it takes up and uses glucose from the blood. When that muscle is stimulated to contract it increases its glucose use to provide, in part, the energy for that contraction. These facts have been known for decades but the muscle signals involved with the movement of glucose from the blood into skeletal muscle remain poorly understood. Very recently, a new potential regulator of skeletal muscle glucose uptake has surfaced. Nitric oxide (NO), which has been shown to participate in blood flow, nerve transmission and immune function, appears to be a necessary component for muscle glucose uptake at rest and during exercise. We have shown that blocking muscle NO production substantially reduces leg glucose uptake during exercise. The aim of this project is to verify this finding and to determine the mechanisms underlying this result. One way we intend to do this is to see whether a drug (Viagra) which increases the effects of NO, raises muscle glucose uptake at rest and during exercise. In rats, a drug almost identical to Viagra stimulates muscle glucose uptake. If Viagra is shown to increase glucose uptake this information may provide the initial human data necessary to develop new drugs to lower blood glucose levels in people with diabetes.Read moreRead less