Basic Research Initiatives

The Strelitz Diabetes Center’s announcement in April, 1997 of the discovery of the INGAP gene has caused international excitement among scientists. Headed by Dr. Aaron I. Vinik, Director of the Research Institute, the SDC’s research team is investigating genes and protein products that will cause pancreatic islet cells to grow and make insulin.

Dr. Gary Pittenger, Director of the Protein Chemistry Laboratory, is researching the expression of growth factor proteins that will stimulate the growth of ductal epithelial cells into adult islet cells.

As this work continues, the SDC’s research team has also formed research collaborations with scientists from around the world for the development of islet cell regeneration as a means of treating diabetes.

Reversing Complications of Diabetes

Research on reversing complications of diabetes focuses on basic science and clinical research projects in neuropathy; the former investigates the causes of nerve cell death, while the latter evaluates preventative measures and possible new treatments.

Some of the possible causative factors under investigation include continued high blood glucose levels and self-destruct processes (autoimmune disease) in which the body destroys its own nerves. Other factors that may contribute to nerve damage are deficiencies of nerve growth factors (NGF), insufficient oxygen supply to nerves (hypoxia), an excess of free radicals that damage nerves, a lack of essential fatty acids, gamma linolenic (GLA) and alpha lipoic acids (ALA) needed to preserve the structure and function of nerves. A combined clinical and basic science approach has led to the application of research findings into state of the art patient care for these different modalities.

Further review of Dr. Aaron I. Vinik’s research interests

Islet Cell Regeneration

Through the induction of islet cell neogenesis, our researchers are investigating growth factors that initiate growth, proliferation, and differentiation of islet cells.

• Molecular biology approach to investigate genes which are activated during the process of islet cell regeneration.

• Protein chemistry approach to investigate the expression of growth factor proteins that stimulate the growth, proliferation and differentiation of ductal epithelial cells.

Review Dr. Pittenger’s research interests
Review published abstracts on INGAP research

Dr. Aaron I. Vinik’s research team investigates neuropathy as a complex disease comprising many causal factors. Research studies are geared to finding out more about those factors that contribute to the causes of neuropathy and to tailor therapies to the cause. The Strelitz Diabetes Center’ researchers are investigating neuropathy (nerve damage) in four initiatives:

• Preventing nerve cell death through apoptosis (nerve cell death) in neuroblastoma cells: The possible immunological factors that cause nerve cell death.
  Review abstract(s)

• Reversing nerve damage through the use of drugs that reduce accumulation of sugar alcohols or drugs that supply needed fatty acids.

• Regenerating nerves through the application of growth factors, such as NGF.

• Ascertaining the cause and effect cycle of neuropathy and the pathogenesis of diabetes through the evaluation of associated immunological and glycemic factors.

Home / Site Map / Search / About EVMS / Patient Services
Education / Research / Departments / Library