Grant: Doctoral Research Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Diabetes is a global health concern affecting millions of people worldwide, and its prevalence is on the rise. In Canada alone, approximately 30% of the population grapples with this chronic condition. Diabetes management has come a long way, but there's always room for improvement. That's where our research steps in. Our project delves into the fascinating world of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1), a critical player in regulating blood sugar levels. While there are numerous treatments for diabetes that aim to increase GLP-1 levels, none of them directly target the cells responsible for producing this crucial hormone. Previously, our lab identified GLP-1 in an unexpected place - the pancreatic alpha-cell! This project's primary goal is to unravel the complex cellular signaling pathways that regulate GLP-1 production in alpha cells and to understand their role in both health and diabetes. If we can achieve this, we may uncover novel targets for future diabetes treatments that could revolutionize how we manage this condition. Our research holds significant clinical implications for improving the function of remaining beta cells in Type-1 diabetes and preventing beta cell failure in prediabetes and Type-2 diabetes. By shedding light on this promising pathway, we hope to contribute to the development of more effective treatments for diabetes and improve the quality of life for millions of individuals worldwide.