New therapeutic targets against diabetes

Manuel Irimia

Centre de Regulació Genòmica, España

Pancreatic beta cells synthesise and secrete insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating levels of glucose in the blood. When these cells are damaged, the person develops diabetes, one of the greatest challenges for public health.

Scientists are investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of these cells to predict the genetic risk of developing diabetes, in turn a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

The project will analyse the role of small fragments of genetic material (microexons) that modify the function of beta-cell proteins, with a view to finding new therapeutic targets in the treatment of diabetes.

Function of a novel program of islet microexons in beta cell development, insulin secretion and diabetes (ENDOMICS)

499.592 €