The role of the SP-R210/Myo18A collectin receptor in Type 1 diabetes

The remodeling of the pancreas in early life is an essential physiological process that prepares the pancreas for its life-long role in insulin secretion. Macrophages mediate the disposal of islet cells undergoing cell death as a result the pancreatic remodeling process. Macrophage malfunction during this period may lead to the autoimmune disorder in Type I diabetes. This project will address two key questions. First, does SP-R210 regulate the ingestion and inflammatory response of macrophages during clearance of dying cells? Second, is there an abnormality in the expression of SP-R210 in individuals prone to the development of Type I diabetes? To answer these questions we will apply our existing research tools in NOD mice, an established animal model of Type I diabetes.

The remodeling of the pancreas in early life is an essential physiological process that prepares the pancreas for its life-long role in insulin secretion. Macrophages mediate the disposal of islet cells undergoing cell death as a result the pancreatic remodeling process. Macrophage malfunction during this period may lead to the autoimmune disorder in Type I diabetes. This project will address two key questions. First, does SP-R210 regulate the ingestion and inflammatory response of macrophages during clearance of dying cells? Second, is there an abnormality in the expression of SP-R210 in individuals prone to the development of Type I diabetes? To answer these questions we will apply our existing research tools in NOD mice, an established animal model of Type I diabetes.