Project summary
Cilia are tiny, hair-like structures that help cells communicate. Dr Nalia Haq is studying whether cilia problems in insulin-making beta cells contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes, or result from it. Her findings could help us better understand the root causes of type 1 diabetes, and point to targets for new treatments to slow or prevent it.
Background to research
The cells in our body have tiny, hair-like parts on them, called cilia. They are like antennas that help cells communicate with each other and sense what’s happening around them. Scientists have found that people with faulty cilia might be six times more likely to develop type 1 diabetes.
Dr Nalia Haq wants to further investigate the role of cilia in the development of type 1. She hopes to find out whether having unhealthy cilia is a cause, or a result of, the condition.
Research aims
Dr Haq will explore the role of cilia in type 1 diabetes with two approaches:
Firstly, she’ll look at the condition of cilia on beta cells in mice with type 1 diabetes.
She'll then examine if immune cells that are responsible for destroying beta cells gather more in the pancreasof mice with faulty cilia. This could suggest that cilia problems might contribute to the immune system’s attack on beta cells.
Potential benefit to people with diabetes
This research aims to understand cilia on beta cells and their link to type 1 diabetes. Findings could shed light on potential new treatments to slow down, or prevent, type 1 by targeting cilia on beta cells.
