Project Summary:
Most research in type 1 diabetes (T1D) focuses on the interaction between the immune system and beta cells. Recently, more data has come out that suggests that a different cell type in the pancreas, called alpha cells, may be the first to become dysfunctional and be targeted by the immune system first. Alpha cells secrete glucagon to raise blood glucose levels. Dr. Kravets hypothesizes that alpha cell dysregulation and specific immune targeting may be a trigger for T1D. She is using an innovative, multi-modal approach to investigate the connection between alpha cells, beta cells, and immune cells through functional microscopy, immunological assays and network theory. Dr. Kravets’s study is the first to look at alpha cells as a potential trigger for T1D through a systems biology approach. If alpha cells can trigger the onset of T1D, this opens up a brand new paradigm of potential prevention and treatment of T1D.
