Grant: Project Grant

Pancreatic beta-cells are specialized cells residing in the pancreas. Their biological role is unique: they secrete insulin in order to maintain blood glucose concentrations in a narrow physiological range. When this mechanism fails, blood glucose increases and diabetes arises. Thus, type 2 diabetes is characterized by a progressive deterioration of beta-cells. However, the molecular mechanisms governing beta-cell life and death are not completely understood. It is important that we elucidate these mechanisms to identify new therapeutic targets for diabetes treatment. We previously published that a family of proteins called "Src" could regulate beta-cell "life and death". However, we did not precisely identify the Src member that is involved in this process. Altogether, very little is known about Src family members in beta-cells. In this project, we are going to study the role of one member in particular called Lyn. First, we will understand the regulation of Lyn in pancreatic beta-cells. Then, we will investigate its role in the regulation of beta-cells, using both in vivo and in vitro models. Finally, we will elucidate the targets of Lyn to understand its downstream signals and mode of action. Our study will characterize for the first time the role of Lyn in pancreatic beta-cells, thereby identifying Lyn (and perhaps some of its downstream effectors) as a potential therapeutic target for diabetes treatment.