Gene Therapy Prevents The Onset Of Diabetic Symptoms In Mice

Source: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Posted: June 2, 2006

Summary:

Using state-of-the-art gene therapy techniques, University of Pittsburgh investigators have successfully prevented the onset of elevated blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, in diabetes-prone mice by inserting a gene encoding for a cytokine -- a protein that stimulates or inhibits the proliferation or function of immune cells -- into their insulin-producing cells.

Commentary: Hopefully the same gene in humans can be manipulated by a procedure similar to the one described above in order to prevent the onset of diabetic symptoms in humans.