Pancreatic β-cells identity, glucose sensing and the control of insulin secretion

Project objectives

The overall goal of this project is to conduct a thorough investigation, both in vivo and in vitro, of pancreatic β-cell identity, glucose sensitivity, and insulin secretion in diabetic conditions. The mechanisms regulating the preservation and/or loss of β-cell identity will be analyzed in vitro. Parallel in vivo studies will be conducted to highlight β-cell function and investigate some of the key factors involved in its regulation.

Specific objectives of the project:

1. generate a source of β cells differentiated from iPSCs from pancreatectomized patients whose pancreatic islets are available for research purposes

2. compare mature pancreatic β-cells and stem cell-derived β-cells obtained from the same individual to identify hallmarks for β-cell differentiation stages

3. clarify the role of glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity or inflammatory stress conditions (cytokines) on de/trans-differentiation

4. add evidence supporting the potential role of genes, miRNAs and other molecular components in modulating BCFM and glucose regulation in patients with different forms of diabetes

5. lead to a new insight into the relationship between oxPTM, insulin action and bone in T2D enabling the design of optimized tools for diagnosis and treatment

Start and end date

05/02/2017 - 05/02/2020

Project Manager

Prof. Paolo Pozzilli

Coordinating institution of the project

Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma

Funding source(s).

MIUR