SAN DIEGO, June 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Peter Thompson launched his campaign this week to fund research for an alternative way to eliminate insulin injections for individuals living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) through Diabetes Research Connection (DRC). Scientists like Thompson are one of the driving forces behind DRC and help to bring innovative T1D research to light.
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Thompson recently discovered that a growth-promoting pathway within the body, known as the mTORC1 pathway, is turned on in a subset of beta cells during the progression towards T1D in mice. For individuals with T1D, beta cells are not replaced once they are lost. The aim of Thompson’s project is to fine-tune and improve this signaling pathway with small molecules that act on specific components in the pathway to promote the growth of new beta cells to replace those lost in people with T1D. It may even lead to a prevention method for the onset of diabetes.
“T1D is among the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the world and the numbers are on the rise,” said Peter Thompson. “My two sons mean the world to me. I work hard for them every day and to hopefully find a cure for every child and family that is faced with T1D. Fortunately enough, I feel that we are very close to finding one.”
DRC has helped other emerging scientists with type 1 diabetes research and will now help Thompson in working towards developing a safe, non-invasive therapy that could benefit people who have both recent-onset and long-standing diabetes.
Diabetes Research Connection is always open to type 1 diabetes-related research submissions. Each project submission is reviewed by more than 80 leading diabetes research experts. Funding designated for research goes directly to the scientists’ labs. Anyone can support Thompson’s project, as well as the DRC’s general fund, by making a tax-deductible donation. To learn more or to contribute to Thompson’s project or the general DRC fund, visit www.diabetesresearchconnection.org.
ABOUT DIABETES RESEARCH CONNECTION
The Diabetes Research Connection is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in San Diego, California. Established in 2012 by five tireless proponents of diabetes research, our mission is to connect donors with early-career scientists enabling them to perform peer-reviewed novel research designed to prevent and cure type 1 diabetes, minimize its complications and improve the quality of life for those living with the disease. For more information, visit www.diabetesresearchconnection.org.
Media Contact:Stephanie Spaulding, Diabetes Research Connection, 9194142710, stephanie@commandpartners.com
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SOURCE Diabetes Research Connection
