Project description
Pancreatic β-cell endurance
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells, leading to insulin deficiency. Emerging evidence suggests that β-cells may influence their own survival. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the Beta_cell_protection project will explore the protective role of three genes, HLA-E, IDO1 and BiP, in human pancreatic β-cell survival. These genes were identified by single-cell RNA sequencing of β-cells from people with T1D. Researchers will test whether enhancing their expression improves β-cell endurance under immune/inflammatory stress in human β-cell models and stem cell derived β-like cells. By defining the underlying mechanisms, the project aims to inform therapies that preserve β-cell function and endogenous insulin production.
Objective
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells, leading to insulin deficiency and severe complications, including cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and vision impairment. Despite extensive research, the exact cause of T1D remains elusive, and the disease remains incurable. Emerging evidence suggests that β-cells may play an active role in their own demise, alongside the well-documented immune attack. Recent findings have identified protective genes within β-cells that may help them resist immune-mediated destruction.
This project aims to investigate the role of three protective genes—HLA-E, IDO1, and BiP—in preserving β-cell function and survival under autoimmune stress. These genes were identified via a bioinformatic approach that analysed single cell RNA sequencing of β-cells from individuals affected by T1D. The study will begin by modulating the expression of these genes in human EndoC-βH1 cells and human islets, followed by an immune attack model of co-culture with the activated CD8+ T-cells. The goal is to determine which gene(s) offers the most significant protection against β-cell destruction.
Subsequently, the most promising gene(s) will be further evaluated in stem cell-derived β-like cells, which will undergo in vivo testing in immune incompetent NSG mice to mimic more physiologically relevant conditions. The implanted cells will be evaluated by in vivo imaging using an intravital microscopy platform. By silencing or overexpressing these genes, we aim to elucidate the mechanisms that contribute to β-cell resilience, providing insights that could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for enhancing β-cell survival in T1D patients.
This project represents a critical step forward in understanding the interplay between β-cells and the immune system in T1D. It has the potential to uncover new targets for therapy, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals living with T1D.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine endocrinology diabetes
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1050 BRUXELLES
Belgium
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.