Basic Research Initiatives
Toward a Cure to
Diabetes
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.
Research Initiative #1 - "Finding A Cure For
Diabetes"
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.
Research Initiative #2 - "Preventing and
Reversing Complications"
Neuropathy
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.
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