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Innovative techniques and powerful tools present new opportunities for restoring natural insulin production in those living with diabetes.
DRI scientists are using these novel technologies to resolve the remaining roadblocks to a permanent cure for diabetes.
>>Tissue Engineering
Researchers are creating physical barriers between transplanted islets and the immune system -- to protect the cells from attack without the need for immunosuppression.
>>Engineering New Drugs
The DRI's Drug Discovery Program is focused on blocking the immune attack against islet cells, and on delivering immunosuppressants locally -- only where transplanted islets are placed.
>>Stem Cell Research
Stem cell research at the DRI focuses on developing a sufficient and reliable source of insulin-producing cells.
>>Genetic Engineering
This is a revolutionary process that could help increase islet survival and direct stem cells to become insulin-producing islets.
>>Cell Regeneration
There is evidence islet cells can regenerate within the native pancreas. Scientists are exploring ways to stimulate the growth of these cells and restore insulin production.
>>Islet Quality and Function
Investigators are finding new ways to evaluate the health and quality of islets prior to infusion into patients.
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Diabetes Research Institute scientists are studying the role calcium plays in beta cell function. Above, islets are "labeled" with a fluorescent calcium indicator.
This image shows the complex vascular network within the islet. Although islets make up only one-to-two percent of the pancreas, the cells require up to 25 percent of the oxygen used by the organ.
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