Elucidation of the Mechanism of IL-22-Mediated Suppression of ?-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 ?-cells produce the hormone insulin that controls blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by inability of stressed ?-cells to make sufficient insulin to control blood sugar. We discovered that an immune factor, IL-22, protects ?-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 ?-cells from stress, with potential for development of novel diabetes therapies.

Funding Amount $AUD 226,835.09

Funding Scheme Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant