Diabetes and Transcription Factors
The causes of beta-cell failure are not well understood, but we know there are changes in these cells’ gene expression that can yield clues about what is going wrong. Through the use of a variety of tissue-specific knockout and transgenic mice we hope to identify why beta cell failure occurs as well as ways to improve beta cell function and thereby treat human diabetes. We are currently focussing on a gene called ARNT, which is decreased by 90% in the beta cell containing islets of people with type 2 diabetes. It seems to be a master gene that controls other genes involved in beta-cell function, including glucose breakdown and insulin production. We are now looking at ways to control ARNT.
Staff
Dr SueMei Lau |
Dr Kenneth Ho |
Rebecca Stokes |
Kim Cheng |
Christopher Scott |
News
Research fellowship announced to investigate the missing link for diabetes
MEDIA RELEASE:
15 Oct 2008
Garvan researcher Dr Alexander Viardot, a specialist in endocrinology and internal medicine, has been appointed to the GlaxoSmithKline Don Chisholm Diabetes Research Fellowship following a global search. The position is dedicated to vital research into the causes of Type 2 diabetes.
Garvan scientist wins L’Oréal For Women In Science Fellowship
26 Sep 2007
Senior Garvan scientist, Dr Jenny Gunton, was one of four inspirational early career scientists to be awarded an inaugural L’Oréal For Women In Science Fellowship in late August. The award will help Gunton pursue her interest in the link between Type 2 (adult onset) diabetes and Vitamin D.
Scientists discover obesity gene!
03 Nov 2004
Garvan Diabetes and Obesity researchers have discovered a gene that may explain why some people put on fat a lot easier than others.
