I am a clinician scientist and nephrologist. My research involves preclinical and clinical translational approaches to identify new targets and develop novel treatments to prevent, reverse and retard the development and progression of diabetic complications.
Molecular Determinants Of Amino Acid-dependent Signalling By The Calcium-sensing Receptor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,035.00
Summary
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and an alternative energy source to carbohydrate and fat. Proteins are major structural components of our bodies. They also fulfil an amazing diversity of cellular and bodily functions acting, for example, as enzymes (biological catalysts), receptors, molecular chaperones and biological machines. Thus, amino acids are key nutrients and the human body has developed mechanisms for tightly regulating cellular responses depending upon their levels in b ....Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and an alternative energy source to carbohydrate and fat. Proteins are major structural components of our bodies. They also fulfil an amazing diversity of cellular and bodily functions acting, for example, as enzymes (biological catalysts), receptors, molecular chaperones and biological machines. Thus, amino acids are key nutrients and the human body has developed mechanisms for tightly regulating cellular responses depending upon their levels in blood. Identifying amino acid sensing molecules and identifying the mechanisms they use to control cellular responses is thus a key issue in human biology. The applicant identified the calcium-sensing receptor as an amino acid sensor and has shown that this receptor provides a means by which fluctuations in amino acid levels regulate the secretion of the key calcium-regulating hormone, PTH. In the current proposal, the mechanisms that link amino acid activation of the calcium-sensing receptor to its key cellular responses will be determined.Read moreRead less
Prorenin And The Prorenin Receptor In Diabetic Retinopathy: Involvement Of The Wnt Pathway And Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$580,042.00
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in people of working age. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2030 more than 300 million people will have diabetes. Given the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and the lack of effective treatments, there is an urgent need to identify the factors that contribute to its development. This project will determine the role of components of a hormonal system, prorenin and its receptor, in diabetic retinopathy and whether they are new ta ....Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in people of working age. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2030 more than 300 million people will have diabetes. Given the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and the lack of effective treatments, there is an urgent need to identify the factors that contribute to its development. This project will determine the role of components of a hormonal system, prorenin and its receptor, in diabetic retinopathy and whether they are new targets for its treatment.Read moreRead less
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.
A Solution To The Parathyroid Gland Secretion Problem
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$508,003.00
Summary
Parathyroid hormone is the master hormone regulator of whole body calcium metabolism and a powerful new treatment for osteoporosis but the mechanism by which its natural secretion is controlled has never been solved. In this project we will apply new insights and advanced technical approaches to resolve this most fundamental question of calcium homeostasis, namely how parathyroid hormone secretion is controlled.
Investigating The Novel Role Of SEPS1 In The Prevention Of Islet Beta Cell Failure And Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$535,804.00
Summary
SEPS1 is an important glucose-regulated protein whose function is to protect tissues from oxidative stress. Inhibition of SEPS1 by hyperglycaemia, is a mechanism for progression of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes once hyperglycaemia supervenes. The overall aim of the project is to investigate the function of the novel SEPS1, using transgenic and knockout approaches.