Cytoprotection of Beta Cells Through Modulation of Ire1Alpha Function

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Project Summary/Abstract Numerous recent studies link development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, a condition that occurs whenever protein-folding requirements overwhelm protein-folding capacity in the secretory pathway. Notably, there is mounting evidence that ER stress contributes to diminished glucose-responsive insulin secretion in ¿- cells, to¿-cell apoptosis, and to generalperipheral insulin resistance, all hallmarks of T2D. ER stress triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway, which slows translation and transcriptionallyupregulates genes that enhance ER protein-folding capabilities. If homeostasis is not restored through these outputs, the UPR triggers apoptosis instead. We hypothesize that key component of the UPR, act as a toggling switches between homeostatic and apoptotic outputs, ultimately controlling ¿-cell fate. Our project goal is to study these switches at the molecular level using interventional approaches.