Raghu Mirmira, assistant professor in the division of endocrinology and metabolism, was awarded a $912,000 grant by the American Diabetes Association to study how insulin-producing cells form over the next five years, according to a University press release.
Mirmira and his colleagues said they hope to find out if it is possible to "turn on" cells of the body to produce insulin.
The ADA awarded Mirmira the grant in hopes that he can learn how to convert other cell types into insulin-producing cells.
Mirmira and his research team know that though the insulin gene is present in every cell, its structure in the chromatin of beta cells is more open and different, making it perfect for their research.
They also will research how insulin secretion is impaired in both types of diabetes.
Mirmira's grant application impressed the ADA so much that they awarded him the Thomas R. Lee Career Development Award. This award is given annually to the applicant with the highest reviewer score.
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