Secretion is an essential step in memory and learning, control of metabolism and reproduction and the functioning of most organs. Secretory dysfunction also underlies many diseases including type 2 diabetes. We plan experiments to test for a new model of control of insulin secretion.
P2X7 Receptor And Inflammation In The Pathophysiology Of Mood Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,063.00
Summary
Mood disorders are chronic disabling mental illnesses affecting a significant proportion of the population. Inherited variations in a particular gene involved in inflammation will be investigated in individuals with mood disorders. This work aims to understand the relationship between inflammation of parts of the brain and mood disorders leading to the potential development of a new therapeutic target.
Type 2 diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions across the world and is a huge burden in health care costs. We know it is a multifaceted disease with many symptoms, one of which is a reduction in insulin secretion. This proposal sets out to determine the mechanisms of insulin secretion from healthy tissue and what goes wrong in disease.