Prevention Of Pancreatic Beta Cell Destruction In Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,458.00
Summary
Associate Professor Helen Thomas is a molecular and cell biologist with a particular interest in pancreatic islet biology, studying the mechanisms of pancreatic beta-cell destruction in diabetes. The aim of this work is to develop strategies to protect these cells. Such protection will improve our ability to preserve beta-cell mass in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and after islet transplantation.
Glucose Toxicity-induced Activation Of The Bcl-2-regulated Apoptotic Pathway In Pancreatic Beta Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$617,238.00
Summary
High blood glucose or hyperglycaemia is a feature of type 2 diabetes. Hyperglycaemia and fatty acids in the blood can cause damage of the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells, resulting in worsening of diabetes. We plan to elucidate the pathways in beta cells that are stimulated by high levels of glucose and fatty acids, and to determine if these pathways are turned on in the pancreas of patients with type 2 diabetes, to try and identify targets for new therapies.