Grant: CIHR REDI Early Career Transition Award - Type 1 Diabetes: III

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a devastating autoimmune disease affecting over 300,000 Canadians. It is characterized by the destruction of the cells that produce insulin. These are located in the pancreas. One reason for this is unwanted activation of cells in our immune system. However, treatments that target the immune system have not met with great success, suggesting that a one size fit all approach may not be the solution for all T1D individuals. Recent studies have revealed an important role for bacteria in our gut. The lining of our gut serves as a barrier that protects against infection from unwanted organisms, and a peaceful environment in the gut is associated with metabolic health. Importantly, altered types of bacteria in the gut are found in individuals with T1D. Researchers have also found changes in barrier function of the gut lining. As a result, things produced by gut bacteria can gain access to the human body blood circulation system. This is unwanted as it activated immune cells and causes disease. In this proposal, we seek to build upon this discovery with the goal of enabling more effective, personalized medicine. My research is designed to produce new scientific knowledge explaining why all cases of T1D are not the same. Furthermore, I will test the protective activity of a new candidate drug which holds promise for the prevention/treatment of T1D.