| Area of Work: | Disregulation of insulin signaling, fat metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism are significant and well-recognized risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and stroke. These associations have come to be known as ‘metabolic syndrome’. However, it could just as easily be referred to as the ‘aging syndrome’. My research focuses on AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) signaling. Our long-range objective is to uncover new AMPK signaling mechanisms that will be targets for novel therapies and diagnostics for diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis and other aging-related conditions. The central role of AMPK as the “metabolic master switch” has very recently come to light as a result of discoveries that its disregulation may lead to atherosclerosis, diabetes and obesity. AMPK signaling is thus a prime target for novel therapies. As a proof of this principle, the widely used antidiabetic drugs metformin and rosiglitazone activate AMPK by separate mechanisms to improve insulin sensitivity. Such discoveries have led to an explosion of research in this emerging field. It is clear that AMPK regulates metabolism, appetite and other apparently unrelated functions such as cell division. It is also clear that there are numerous input signals, cross-talk pathways and downstream actions of AMPK. We are developing a research niche in this exciting new field. |
