Role Of Heparan Sulfate, Heparanase Inhibitors In The Development And Prevention Of Type 1 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,242,772.00
Summary
Our recent studies have shown that a special protein (an enzyme called heparanase) and the special carbohydrate (heparan sulfate or HS) that it degrades, play a previously unrecognised role in the development of Type I diabetes (T1D) in mice. We will explore whether destructive immune cells use heparanase to damage insulin-producing islets and deplete them of HS, resulting in islet cell death and T1D. We will develop new agents to inhibit this damage, prevent T1D and protect islet transplants.