The Characterisation Of The Glycolytic Pathway And TCA Cycle On First And Second Phase Insulin Secretion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,716.00
Summary
In normal individuals, special cells in the pancreas - beta cells - secrete insulin. Insulin controls blood glucose. However, in diabetes, these beta cells have failed and are unable to perform their function, possibly due to faulty energy production. This project examines the underlying biochemical processes, in particular the energy requirements for insulin secretion. If we can repair this fault, it could identify novel targets for the treatment of diabetes.
Regulation Of Metabolic Dysfunction And Exhaustion Of Virus-specific T Cells During Chronic Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$749,152.00
Summary
T cells control infections and cancer cells. During chronic infection or tumor development, however, loss of function of T cells prevents efficient clearing of pathogens or cancer cells, a phenomenon termed T cell ‘exhaustion’. We have found that the regulator protein IRF4 controls cellular nutrient usage, growth and function of T cells and that very amounts of IRF4 occur in T cells during chronic infection. We propose to examine the precise role of IRF4 in chronically stimulated T cells.
Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKDs) present serious morbidity and mortality in our society. Kidney scarring is the final manifestation of many types of kidney diseases. Recent evidence showed that a reduced ability to generate energy during injuries leads to kidney scarring. My study is looking at how the specific changes in kidney energy production can lead to kidney scarring. The findings of my study can have potential to prevent kidney scarring and change the course of kidney diseases.