Reversal of diabetes in pigs using liver-directed gene therapy [ 2008 - 2010 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Ann Simpson (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Bronwyn O'Brien ,  Prof Ian Alexander

Brief description Type I diabetes mellitus is caused by the autoimmune destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas that secrete insulin. We have shown that we can cure diabetes in spontaneously diabetic mice by delivery of the insulin gene to the liver using a non-pathogenic viral delivery system. The study aims to repeat this work in pigs which have similar physiology to humans. If successful this would be proof-of-principle that we could theoretically control blood glucose levels in humans.

Funding Amount $AUD 573,807.21

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant