Elucidation of the Mechanism of IL-22-Mediated Suppression of β-Cell Stress in Diabetes [ 2016 - 2017 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Michael McGuckin (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Jonathan Whitehead ,  Dr Sumaira Hasnain ,  Prof Johannes Prins

Brief description Pancreatic β-cells produce the hormone insulin that controls blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by inability of stressed β-cells to make sufficient insulin to control blood sugar. We discovered that an immune factor, IL-22, protects β-cells from stress. Treatment of diabetic mice with IL-22 resolves all the major problems in diabetes. This project seeks to reveal the mechanisms by which IL-22 protects β-cells from stress, with potential for development of novel diabetes therapies.

Funding Amount $AUD 222,322.00

Funding Scheme Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant