Professor Dr. Carsten Schmitz Peiffer

Biography

Carsten Schmitz-Peiffer undertook his PhD under Professor Dick Denton at Bristol University (UK), where he investigated insulin signal transduction regulation of fat cell metabolism. He later joined the Garvan Institute to explore how lipid oversupply interferes with normal insulin action. Following that, he worked with Professor Stephen Simpson at the University of Sydney to study the effects of nutrition on the proteome of metabolically important tissues like the liver, contributing to research on metabolic disease and aging. Carsten's work investigates the mechanisms through which nutrient excess disrupts normal glucose homeostasis, demonstrating links between insulin resistance and the intracellular accumulation of lipid intermediates, such as diacylglycerols and ceramides, that activate protein kinase C. His studies on mice deficient in protein kinase C isoforms suggest that these enzymes play multiple roles in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. More recently, his translational research has focused on identifying potential targets for new therapeutic agents aimed at treating glycemic control defects associated with obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

Research Interests

Experience