Research Area
Diabetes

Grant Type
Network

Year
2006

Abstract

The Larry L. Hillblom Islet Genesis Network is designed to identify genes that are involved in the formation of islets cells during normal development, to understand the function of these genes, and to test these genes for their ability to generate islet cells from progenitor cells. Ultimately, this information will be used in efforts to develop a cure for type 1 diabetes mellitus.

This proposal builds on the successful work of the previous 4 years of funding provided to the Network by the Larry L. Hillblom Foundation. In particular, the previous grant allowed us to identify a group of genes that function in islet progenitor cells — maintaining them, regulating their replication and controlling their differentiation. The aim of this application is to understand how these genes function, and to develop ways for using them to produce islet cells.

Organization of the Network: The Larry L. Hillblom Islet Genesis Network will take advantage of the specialized expertise of five investigators and the members of their lab groups, four scientific consultants, and the administrative support of an administrative assistant and an information technology specialist.