Targeting the Hippo pathway for beta cell regeneration in diabetes

Project Description

Our research focuses on a key problem in diabetes: the loss of pancreatic β-cells, which produce insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar. In both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the reduction in these cells leads to high blood sugar and serious health issues. We are exploring a new approach to regenerate these cells, which could lead to a breakthrough in diabetes treatment.
We are studying a biological pathway, called the Hippo signaling pathway, that controls β-cell survival and grow. Within this pathway, two proteins, YAP and TEAD, are important for encouraging the growth of β-cells. In mature β-cells, YAP levels naturally decrease after birth, and this decrease is linked to a reduction in cell growth. Our early research has shown that increasing YAP levels can stimulate β-cell growth in both mice and humans. However, we still don’t know enough about how TEAD works in this process, or how to practically and safely trigger YAP/TEAD activity to promote β-cell regeneration in humans.
This project will test whether a new drug, designed to activate TEAD, can help increase β-cell growth and boost insulin production. Our ultimate goal is to develop a treatment that allows people with diabetes to regenerate their own insulin-producing cells, potentially reducing the need for insulin injections and improving their lives. If successful, this research could make a huge difference for the millions of people living with diabetes, offering new hope for better management or even a cure.