The Intestinal Nutrient Sensing Group undertakes research focused on the nature of the intestinal sweet taste system.
This system detects intestinal sweet stimuli and, in turn, can regulate the release of gut hormones and control of glucose absorption. We have revealed specific regulation of this system in health, and dysregulation in diabetes, critical illness and obesity. We have access to genetic and disease models and a wide range of human tissue to answer our research questions, including:
- Do artificial sweeteners influence intestinal sweet sensing and glucose absorption in humans?
- Does blocking intestinal sweet taste receptors reduce glucose uptake in patients with type 2 diabetes?
The Intestinal Nutrient Sensing Group collaborates with researchers from basic and clinical science backgrounds and industry, strengthening our ability to deliver novel therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Lead researcher: Associate Professor Richard L Young
Research team
Partnerships
- Chris Rayner, Tongzhi Wu, Nam Nguyen, Michael Horowitz – University of Adelaide
- Geraint Rogers – SAHMRI Infection and Immunity
- Damien Keating - Flinders University
- Charles-Henri Malbert - INRA Saint-Gilles, France
- Kerry Ivey – Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA
Interested in undertaking a postgraduate research degree with us?
We offer exciting opportunities for researchers at the honours, masters and PhD levels. Our research degrees are open to students from a broad range of backgrounds, and range from basic sciences to clinical research. If you are interested in human health, consider furthering your research career with us.
