Optimising treatments for cancer and diabetes

Posted 7 Nov 2018

Flinders researchers hope to uncover better treatments for a range of prevalent diseases including cancer, Type 2 Diabetes and insulin resistance, thanks to new research targeting the cell’s main energy sensor - AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).

Associate Professor Janni Peterson will use a Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grant to build on her previous research involving yeast, and increase understanding of the nutritional control and signalling pathways of AMPK.

AMPK provides protection against cancer and is altered in most tumours. It’s a major drug target during treatment, and a better understanding of its regulation could offer huge potential for optimised treatments for several diseases, including cancer.

This research is made possible thanks to generous support from the community and our partners Mr Riggs Wine Company, Foodland and Bay to Birdwood.


Project title: Novel feedback inhibition of AMPK by TORC1 controls cell proliferation under stress

Lead researcher: Associate Professor Janni Petersen

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