Investigating the involvement of novel genes and pathways in islet beta-cell dysfunction and progression to Type 2 Diabetes
- Research Opportunity
- Honours students
- Number of Honour Places Available
- 1
- Department
- Medicine and Radiology
- Location
- Austin Health
| Primary Supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A/Professor Sof Andrikopoulos | sof@unimelb.edu.au | 9496 2403 | Personal web page |
| Co-supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Evelyn Marin | evelyn.marin@unimelb.edu.au | ||
| Dr Barbara Fam | bcfam@unimelb.edu.au |
Summary The main focus of our research group is to understand the genetic and biochemical mechanisms that contribute to insulin resistance and defective insulin secretion.
Project Details
Type 2 diabetes is characterised by hyperglycaemia which is caused by a defect in insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. It is evident that the defect in insulin secretion is necessary for hyperglycaemia to ensue in diabetes. Furthermore, it is clear that obesity/high energy intake is closely associated with the increased prevalence of diabetes, contributing to both insulin resistance and reduced insulin secretion. The main focus of our research group is to understand the genetic and biochemical mechanisms that contribute to insulin resistance and defective insulin secretion (islet beta-cell dysfunction) by using pre-clinical animal models including genetically modified (transgenic and knockout), spontaneous and environmentally induced diabetic mice. Current areas of interest include the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and stress and the role of the Alzheimers’ tau protein in Type 2 Diabetes progression, particularly islet beta-cell dysfunction.
School Research Themes
Research Opportunities
Honours students
Students who are interested in joining this project will need to consider their elegibility as well as other requirements before contacting the supervisor of this research
Key Contact
For further information about this research, please contact a supervisor.
Department
Research Group / Unit / Centre
Islet Biology & Metabolism Group
Research Node
Austin HealthMDHS Research library
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