Role Of Lysosomal Acid Lipase In Regulating Insulin Secretion
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$570,928.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects 7% of Australians and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. A failure of insulin secretion contributes to T2D, and this is linked to the inability of insulin producing ?-cells to use lipids appropriately (lipotoxicity). Here we will study the role of a cellular body called the lysosome to regulate ?-cell lipid metabolism and insulin secretion. This work will greatly increase the understanding of ?-cell failure in T2D.
Adipose Triglyceride Lipase: Regulation And Implications For The Aetiology Of Insulin Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$323,453.00
Summary
Obese individuals have elevated fat levels in the blood and muscle, which contributes to the development of other diseases such as type 2 diabetes. A newly discovered protein named adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is essential for fat breakdown. This project aims to identify how ATGL operates and determine whether defective ATGL function leads to type 2 diabetes. These studies will assist in the development of strategies aimed at reducing fatty acids in blood and muscle.
Muscle Derived Interleukin-6: Signalling Pathways And Biological Roles
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,375.00
Summary
Over the past few years work from our research group has identified that the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) is produced by skeletal muscle during contractions. Moreover, we have demonstrated that IL-6 performs entirely novel functions that have major ramifications for diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. We have demonstrated that IL-6 is a potent factor in increasing the breakdown of fatty acids in the human body. We have also demonstrated that IL-6 down-regulates the cytokine tumour nec ....Over the past few years work from our research group has identified that the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) is produced by skeletal muscle during contractions. Moreover, we have demonstrated that IL-6 performs entirely novel functions that have major ramifications for diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. We have demonstrated that IL-6 is a potent factor in increasing the breakdown of fatty acids in the human body. We have also demonstrated that IL-6 down-regulates the cytokine tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), which impairs glucose uptake and promotes insulin resistance. The proposed work will extend upon these findings. Discovering that IL-6 produced during exercise contributes to fatty acid utilisation will have profound ramifications for what we know about energy breakdown. If we find that the function of IL-6 produced by muscle is to down-regulate TNF-a and lead to enhanced glucose uptake in type 2 diabetics, it may lead to IL-6 being used as a possible therapeutic aid in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In summary, this project will have major significance for not only our fundamental knowledge of the processes involved in maintaining metabolic homeostasis, but also for our understanding of the major health problem of obesity related diseases.Read moreRead less