The Spring Point Project is a nonprofit organization created to increase the availability of islet tissue for diabetes care by cultivating medical-grade pigs for islet xenotransplantation.

Dr. Bernhard Hering is the scientific director of the Diabetes Institute for Immunology & Transplantation at the University of Minnesota. He believes the shortage of human donor organs greatly limits the applicability of islet transplants. Of course he does. In 2004, President Bush directed the Diabetes Research Work Group, created by Congress, to develop a comprehensive plan for diabetes research. One of the outgrowths has been the establishment of the NIH (National Institute of Health) Clinical Islet Transplant Consortium. Spring Point Project's consultant Dr. Bernhard Hering, M.D., is one of only five researchers worldwide appointed to serve on it. Hold the cornmeal, Wilbur. Who else has a seat in the NIH panel?These medical-grade pig islets require immunosuppression drugs to sustain the life of the islets without another autoimmune attack taking place. A statement from the faq page on The Spring Point Project site states, "Pig islet graft survival was made possible with a novel immunosuppressive protocol." Okay. Minor detail but very important when you weigh your options.

The Spring Point Project says human trials are slated to begin in 2008. Funny-- that is the same time Massachusetts General Hospital's human trials for Dr. Denise Faustman's proposed cure for type 1 diabetes is set to begin. Dr. Faustman's cure does not require any immunosuppression drugs. In my book - any cure that requires a continuum of drugs is not a cure, at all.

In the summer iof 2004, research funded by JDRF revealed that a mutation of the SUMO-4 gene is a strong factor in the development of type 1 diabetes and the potential associated complications, such as kidney failure.

The gene called SUMO-4 is responsible for signaling the proteins that regulate the intensity and duration of the immune response. When the gene is mutated, it has an increased response to the stimulants of the immune system, that cause it to overreact. This overreaction results in a person's inability to distinguish between self and foreign cells, thus causing type 1 diabetes. The mutated SUMO-4 gene may exacerbate the inflammatory process, influencing the complications of diabetes.

The most influential genes in the development of type 1 diabetes are found in the HLA or human leukocyte antigen region. These genes help regulate the immune system by guiding it to differentiate between self and non-self. Variants of the DR and DQ genes in the HLA region are found in 95% of type 1 diabetics. Another gene that increases the chances of developing type 1 diabetes has been found in the region immediately preceding the insulin gene. This region contains a VNTR or variable number of tandem repeats. This refers to specific chemical bases that make up DNA. Inheritance of certain VNTR's increases the risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

Again I reiterate this research was unveiled in 2004. SUMO-4 was identified as a prime target to control the inflammatory process leading to the destruction of islets. As I search Google for, "sumo4, drugs, JDRF" I am terribly disappointed to see that my yearning for answers remains unrequited. Did SUMO-4 fall too hard too fast?

Like a dog chasing its own tail (but nowhere near as funny), type 1 diabetes is caused by a self-imposed attack on insulin producing cells. Here's your chance to chat live and learn about the latest discoveries to interfere with the automimmune confusion. Chat live with the head of the Immunogenetics Program at the Diabetes Research Institute, Alberto Pugliese, M.D.

The DRI program is specifically focused on understanding how genetic and immunological factors play a role in the development of type 1 diabetes and how certain genetic and immunological factors may actually afford protection from diabetes. The program is uncovering ways to interfere with the immune cells that attack the insulin producing cells in the pancreas resulting in diabetes.

In plain English, join Dr. Pugliese to enlighten yourself and ask any questions you may have regarding this impressive research. The chat begins at 9pm EST and those who miss it can catch the excitement in the transcript, to be posted shortly thereafter. I hope to see fellow IDDMs on the chat roster.

New research is revealing that cells passed from mother to child during pregnancy could be used to treat diabetes. Scientists found these cells can develop into functioning islet beta cells which produce insulin in the pancreas.

Scientists studied 172 individuals and took pancreatic tissue from four deceased males. They found small numbers of female islet beta cells able to produce insulin. There was no evidence the mother's cells were causing damage or becoming the target of an immune response. However, the team found more maternal DNA in the blood of children and young adults with type 1 diabetes than in healthy individuals. Researchers believe the maternal cells may be helping to regenerate tissue in the pancreas.

I heard about this study last year. It sounded quite promising and led me to wonder if I had a child - could the stem cells from the umbilical cord become healthy beta cells for me? Sure. However, the big question still remains - how can I stop the killer Ts from spanking my islets in the first place?

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation announced that they have formed a partnership with MacroGenics. JDRF is providing up to $2 million to fund a clinical trial of a compound called anti-CD3 that has shown promise in slowing the progression of type 1 diabetes.

Anti-CD3 is capable of reducing the autoimmune attack that destroys insulin-producing beta cells. The treatment preserves beta cell function in newly diagnosed patients, and has the potential to decrease insulin requirements, leading to better glucose regulation, and decrease the complications of diabetes. Anti-CD3 blocks the function of CD3 cells - the T cells that destroy islets. The antibodies prevent "activation" of the T cells after they have identified their target, disarming them launching the attack on islets.

Let's hope the peace talks between JDRF, MacroGenics, anti-CD3 and killer Ts result in progressive measures to make the type 1 diabetic body a peaceful place, once and for all.