Projects / Programmes
The function of endocrine cells in disease and compensatory processes
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.07.00 |
Medical sciences |
Metabolic and hormonal disorders |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B480 |
Biomedical sciences |
Endocrinology, secreting systems, diabetology |
endocrine function, insulin secretion, type-2 diabetes mellitus, electrophysiology, functional imaging, exocytosis
Researchers (9)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
We propose a research project to define the molecular basis of type-2 diabetes. By applying measurements of secretory competence, electrical activity and metabolism by a combination of electro- and optophysiology in whole pancreas slices we will test for putative secretory machinery dysfunction in animal models of T2D and compensatory processes due to specific genetic manipulations.
Significance for science
The tissue slice preparation was due to its complexity rarely used tool to study endocrine function. We have recently established a novel preparation to study the endocrine function in pancreas, its endocrine part being vital for the control of the blood glucose and its dysfunction being critical in severe diseases, like diabetes mellitus. Our preparation is the first, where the hormone (e.g. insulin) release and electrical activity can be checked in the intact tissue environment with a single cell resolution and where important cellular characteristics, like ion channels and metabolic activity can be assessed together with the secretory competence.
We used genetically modified animals and animals which develop sickness due to planned inbreeding to obtain key information of the defects causing an endocrine disease, like diabetes mellitus and develop new methods of treatment and diagnostics.
In addition, the project has been instumental in transfer of knowledge and state-of-the-art technology from Germany to Slovenia including a number of existing important international collaborations.
Significance for the country
Endocrine disorders, like diabetes mellitus, are widely spread in the developed world, where the Republic of Slovenia is no exception. Due to epidemic dimensions of the disease and the way how it is diagnosed and treated at the moment it presents a serious threat for the public health system. Alternative and cost effective diagnosis and therapy of endocrine disease, like diabetes mellitus will be of significant advantage to unburden the public health system.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
