Characterize the effect of incretins and CFTR modulators on insulin secretion by the CF beta cells.

Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is a unique form of diabetes that differs from type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It affects almost 50% of patients with the genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF) but its precise cause remains unknown. Our goal is to understand the root cause of CFRD by investigating changes in cells extracted from the pancreas of mice that have CFRD. To investigate how glucose intolerance leads to diabetes, we will measure the release of insulin and glucagon by cells treated with glucose, to mimic the raise in blood sugar following a meal. We will collect the liquid secreted by these cells and measure how much insulin and glucagon they have produced in response to glucose. After establishing the standard response of the cells to glucose, we will repeat the experiments with cells pre-treated with drugs used to lower blood glucose or drugs used to treat patients with CF. We expect that changes observed in CFRD cells compared to normal cells will help us understand this disease. We will also know if CF drugs alter how pancreatic cells respond to glucose. This research will provide important data to further develop therapeutic strategies to help patients with CFRD.

Faculty Supervisor:

Valerie Chappe;Younes Anini

Student:

Partner:

Université de Poitiers

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: