Senior Research Officer
Currenthttp://www.svi.edu.auResearch themes:1) Investigating the mechanisms of rebound weight gain. I seek to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the increase in appetite following diet-induced weight loss. Energy homeostasis is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, nutrient status and genes. Gaining a better understanding of these processes will gain insight into new therapeutic targets that may improve the adherence to weight loss regimes and prevent weight gain rebound, which is currently the major obstacle for long-term weight loss.2) Role of glia cells in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Research into the central regulators of appetite and energy homeostasis has almost exclusively focused on the role of neurons. I seek to investigate the contribution of astrocytes and microglia in these processes, as these cells play vital roles in the regulation of inflammation, substrate metabolism and nutrient sensing in the brain and have recently been implicated the control of appetite and glucose homeostasis. The aim is to better understand the interplay between neurons and glia and how these insights may be used to prevent or treat obesity and type 2 diabetes.3) Mechanisms of AMP-activated protein kinase regulation and function in vivoThe AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is considered an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic disorders underlying the development of type 2 diabetes, obesity and cancer. To aid the design and development of AMPK-targeting drugs it is imperative to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of AMPK regulation and signalling in vitro and in vivo and the physiological consequences of AMPK activation or inhibition in various tissues. The ultimate aim is the development of specific, safe and more effective therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
