Mechanism of protection of islet beta cells from T1D by heparan sulfate

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Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease which destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Current insulin therapy does not prevent the development of serious secondary complications. We have discovered that beta cells require a complex sugar (heparan sulfate; HS) for their survival and that T1D is prevented when an enzyme, heparanase, that degrades HS is inhibited. Understanding these mechanisms will identify new therapeutic strategies for preventing T1D progression.