Breakthrough in Type 1 Diabetes Research: Protecting Beta Cells

In honor of World Diabetes Day, we'd like to share with you new discoveries in diabetes research taking place at the Faculty of Medicine.

Recently, a paper was published on current research being carried out at the Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine and Diabetes, led by Dr. Ron Piran. In collaboration with Dr. Gal Reches, this study revealed a method to protect beta cells, which are responsible for insulin production, and even stimulate their regeneration. The research examined the role of the Par2 receptor in the development of Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. It was found that when Par2 is active in the immune system, it accelerates the destruction of beta cells. However, when it is active within the beta cells themselves, it protects them from destruction and promotes their regeneration.

These findings suggest a new therapeutic approach for Type 1 diabetes—suppressing the receptor’s activity in the immune system while activating it in beta cells. The study paves the way for personalized treatments for autoimmune diseases.

The research was funded by the Russell Berrie Galilee Diabetes SPHERE of the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Safed. SPHERE aims to reduce diabetes rates in northern Israel in particular and the country in general.