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Early Biomarker for Pancreatic Beta Cell Loss Related to Type 1 Diabetes Identified.

For years, researchers have known that pancreatic beta cell death plays a major role in the development of type 1 diabetes. They have been striving to detect this process early on in order to better assess risk for the disease and develop potential treatments to stop progression. When the body destroys insulin-producing beta cells, it is no longer able to effectively manage blood glucose levels resulting in type 1 diabetes (T1D), a condition that currently has no cure.

In a recent study, researchers used diabetic mice and serum samples from individuals with various stages of T1D as well as INS-1 cells and human islets β€œto detect an early biomarker of T1D-associated beta-cells loss in humans.” The enriched microRNA (miR-204) that they discovered is released by beta cells during cell death and is detectable in human serum. However, it is only present in elevated levels in individuals with T1D and those who are autoantibody positive, not in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

This discovery may play a role in improving early detection of pancreatic beta cell death prior to full onset of T1D. In turn, that may open doors to new research and developments in treatment in order to reduce risk of T1D.

Diabetes Research Connection (DRC) is excited to see what this discovery could mean for the future of T1D diagnoses and prevention efforts. The DRC supports early career scientists in pursuing novel, peer-reviewed research projects focused on the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and eventual cure of type 1 diabetes. Learn more about current projects and how to support these efforts by visiting http://diabetesresearchconnection.org.

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Could Peripheral T Helper Cells Be Linked to Type 1 Diabetes Risk?

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a complex disease. Researchers believe that both genetics and autoantibodies play a role in development of the disease. In individuals with T1D, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. A new study has found that peripheral T helper cells may play a role in initiating this process.

The study showed that children with T1D, as well as those who were autoantibody-positive who developed the disease later on, both had an increase in the amount of peripheral T helper cells circulating in their blood. Researchers believe that much like follicular helper T cells, peripheral T helper cells may also be involved in activating B cells which target against proteins in pancreatic islet cells and contribute to the development of T1D.

The ability to identify children who are at increased risk for the disease due to genetics as well as the elevated presence of peripheral T helper cells may improve options for proactively monitoring and treating T1D. It could also support the development of new immunotherapies for the disease.

More research is necessary to better understand the role of this T-cell subset and how it impacts type 1 diabetes risk and development of the disease as well as how it could improve treatment or prevention options. Though not involved with this study, Diabetes Research Connection (DRC) follows the latest developments and advancements regarding type 1 diabetes understanding, treatment, and prevention.

DRC provides critical funding for early career scientists pursuing novel research studies related to the disease and hopes to one day find a cure. To learn more about current projects or how to help, visit http://diabetesresearchconnection.org.

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