Use of a systems biology approach to understand pancreatic beta-cell death in Type 1 diabetes

Biochem Soc Trans. 2008 Jun;36(Pt 3):321-7. doi: 10.1042/BST0360321.

Abstract

Accumulating evidence indicates that beta-cells die by apoptosis in T1DM (Type 1 diabetes mellitus). Apoptosis is an active gene-directed process, and recent observations suggest that beta-cell apoptosis depends on the parallel and/or sequential up- and down-regulation of hundreds of genes controlled by key transcription factors such as NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB) and STAT-1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1). Understanding the regulation of these gene networks, and how they modulate beta-cell death and the 'dialogue' between beta-cells and the immune system, will require a systems biology approach to the problem. This will hopefully allow the search for a cure for T1DM to move from a 'trial-and-error' approach to one that is really mechanistically driven.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Death
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / genetics
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / immunology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / pathology*
  • Gene Regulatory Networks
  • Humans
  • Immune System
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / immunology
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / pathology*
  • Systems Biology / methods*