Adipocyte Biology and Insulin Resistance

Unit Code

01356

Department/Institution Offering Unit

Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology Research
Ground Floor, Wing C
Princess Alexandra Hospital
Ipswich Road
Woolloongabba
Queensland 4102 Australia

web: www.soms.uq.edu.au/cder

Unit Points

Research Points: 100

Coursework Points: 0

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Contacts

Unit Coordinator/s:

Professor John Prins
Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology Research
Centre for Health Research
Level 2, Building 35
Princess Alexandra Hospital
Ipswich Road
Woolloongabba
Queensland 4102 Australia

tel: +61 7 3240 7664
fax: +61 7 3240 7667
email: jprins@cder.soms.uq.edu.au

Alternative Contact:

Dr Jon Whitehead
Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology Research
Centre for Health Research
Level 2, Building 35
Princess Alexandra Hospital
Ipswich Road
Woolloongabba
Queensland 4102 Australia

tel: +61 7 3240 7664
fax: +61 7 3240 7667
email: jwhitehead@cder.soms.uq.edu.au

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Overall Objectives

• To be able to critically review scientific literature and synthesise and develop approaches to experimental design, data analysis and interpretation
• To develop an understanding of and practical skills in cell culture, cell- and molecular biology
• To improve oral and written communication skills
• To work as a team member and be able to communicate scientifically with colleagues

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Content

Coursework: N/A

Research: Students will undertake a research project under the supervision of a senior member of the CDER group. Students will be encouraged to undertake a literature review and contribute to the formulation of hypotheses, aims and experimental design in association with their supervisor. Laboratory meetings are held weekly and the student would be expected to present and interpret data fortnightly.
The CDER has skills in most molecular and cell biology techniques including gene cloning and transfer, real time PCR, genetics, western blotting, immunofluorescence, cell and tissue culture. It would be encouraged that the student would develop skills in most of these techniques. Alternatively the unit has been recognized as an NHMRC Clinical Centre for Research Excellence and clinical projects integrated with basic science concentrating on identifying fundamental mechanisms can be undertaken.
The general focus of the group is on adipocyte biology, insulin cell signalling, calcium metabolism and bone, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, multiple endocrine neoplasia and endocrine aspects of pregnancy and reproductive health.

Sample Research Topics:

1. Regulation of adipocyte proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis
2. Molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance in human adipose tissue and cell lines
3. Regulation of adipokine secretion from human adipose tissue
4. Role of IMPDH in insulin resistance
5. The aetiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
6. Genetics of familial hypercalcaemic syndromes, familial endocrine malignancies and autoimmune endocrine diseases
7. Regulation of placental growth hormone excretion and action of PGH
8. Regulation of fetal growth
9. Clinical investigation of the role of lifestyle modification and insulin sensitizing agents in improving measures of cardiac and vascular function in obesity and diabetes mellitus

Please refer to website for current research projects: www.soms.uq.edu.au/cder/

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Assessment Breakdown

Research Component: 100 points
Research Report (up to 9,000 words): 75%
Oral presentation: 15%
Supervisor's Evaluation: 10%

Coursework Component: 0 points
N/A

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Student Numbers

Number of places available:
3