The University of Alberta, through its Research Services Office, was awarded a $437,156 Project Grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847). This 5-year grant, effective September 19, 2024, supports research to investigate the mechanisms by which cystic fibrosis-related defects in pancreatic ductal epithelial cells contribute to impaired insulin release and the development of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. The project will utilize primary human cell cultures, including pancreatic islet beta cells, alpha cells, acinar cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages, as well as human pluripotent stem cell-derived pancreatic ductal epithelial cells, to elucidate the direct and indirect effects of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) deficiency on islet cell function and viability. The findings from this research are expected to enhance the understanding of the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes and inform the development of potential interventions to preserve insulin secretion in this patient population.
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