In a promising step that could redefine the prevention of type 1 diabetes, scientists from the University of Wisconsin Madison have discovered a new approach to protect beta cells in the pancreas, responsible for producing insulin, which are attacked by the immune system during the progression of the disease.
XBP1 gene is the key to prevention
The study focused on a protein called XBP1, part of the cell stress response system, which helps beta cells adapt to inflammation and the accumulation of misformed proteins.
Using a diabetic mouse model, the scientists deleted the XBP1 gene in beta cells before the onset of the immune attack, according to Nature Communications, and the results were astonishing: Although glucose levels initially rose, they later returned to normal, and the mice remained healthy for up to a full year.
Beta cell protection
Molecular Biochemistry Professor Fayza Engin explained that beta cells lacking XBP1 temporarily lose their mature characteristics, making them unrecognizable to the immune system and preventing the attack, before eventually regaining their natural identity and returning insulin production to normal levels.
Deeper understanding of the disease
Comparisons between beta cells lacking XBP1 and those lacking Ire1a revealed that there are common stress pathways and others specific to the XBP1 gene only, enhancing scientists' understanding of the role of beta cells in the development of type 1 diabetes and confirming that they are not just targets of the disease.
Promising human prospects
Although the experiments were conducted on mice, Engin pointed out the possibility of applying the results to humans, by identifying individuals at risk years before symptoms appear and exploring the possibility of intervention to prevent or delay the disease by inhibiting the XBP1 gene.
