DRC & Research News

Our bodies are formed from an innumerable number of cells and molecules. Both DNA and RNA play a role in determining cells’ function and purpose. At a conference of the National Congress of the Spanish Diabetes Society, researchers revealed new studies regarding the potential role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development of type 1 diabetes, as well as the risk of cardiovascular problems in individuals with the disease.

A recent study found that lncRNA, which are use in transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of cells and are not translated into proteins, may be involved in the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. There may be some forms of lncRNAs that affect inflammation and cell death, which are factors in the development of type 1 diabetes.

Dr. Izortze Santín Gómez, a professor at the University of the Basque Country and a researcher at the Biocruces Bizkaia Research Institute is studying the fundamental characteristics of the lncRNAs and how they may affect pancreatic beta cells on a genetic-molecular level. Once this is better understood, researchers could begin modifying the lncRNAs to create a targeted therapy that increases survival rate and viability of the pancreatic beta cells.

Another study that was presented at the conference involved cardiovascular risk for individuals with type 1 diabetes. Joseph Ribalta, a professor at the Rovira i Vigili University of Reus, found that “more than 30% of heart attacks occur in people with apparently normal LDL cholesterol.” High cholesterol is a key risk factor for heart attacks. His findings have revealed that individuals with T1D may be at greater risk because “LDL particles are more numerous and smaller, that their HDLs work less effectively and/or that there are some lipoproteins (remnants) that the body has trouble eliminating.”

Identifying these potential risk factors and knowing how to test for or treat them could help reduce hidden cardiovascular risk in individuals with T1D. For instance, focusing on triglycerides rather than cholesterol may be beneficial for patients who meet certain criteria.

There is a lot of interesting work coming out of laboratories and universities around the world regarding type 1 diabetes. Researchers are constantly improving and refining their understanding of the disease and possible ways to prevent, treat, or cure it. Diabetes Research Connection (DRC) is committed to contributing to this wealth of knowledge by providing critical funding to early-career scientists pursuing novel research studies focused on type 1 diabetes. Learn more about current projects and how to help by visiting https://diabetesresearchconnection.org.