Grants 2014
This year the foundation awarded two large grants for the first time: 100 000 and 50 000 euros for two years.
Research professor Outi Vaarala was awarded the largest grant. Vaaralas research group, operating at the National Institute for Health and Welfare, studies the causes of type 1 diabetes as well as methods of predicting its outbreak. The recipient of the second large grant, assistant professor Sanna Lehtonen, works with her research group to find new possibilities in type 2 diabetes drug treatment.
In all, the foundation awarded grant funds of 450 000 Euros to 20 researchers. The foundation received a record amount of applications; 89 in total.
The applications were evaluated by the chairman of the Diabetes Research Foundations scientific committee, Heikki Koistinen, who also estimates the scientific level of this years applications to be significantly high.
– This year we wanted to especially support young diabetes researchers who are assembling their own research groups. The primary evaluation point of the applications however, was their scientific level, Koistinen emphasizes.
According to Koistinen, the applications displayed two rising trends.
– Based on the applications, it seems as though cognitive science and information technology are rearing their heads in diabetes research.
The large two-year grant, 100 000 euros
Vaarala Outi, D.Med.Sc., research professor, the National Institute for Health and Welfare, the Department of Vaccination and Immune Protection, Helsinki
The plasticity of IL-17 immunity as a predictor of type 1 diabetes development
The grant awarded professor Outi Vaaralas research group also contains the following personal grants: Orivuori Laura, MSc, 28 000 euros, Reinert-Hartwall Linnea, MSc, 12 000 euros, Nieminen Janne, MD, 14 400 euros
The devlopment of type 1 diabetes mostly lasts for years. Even though we are able to identify the so called hereditary risks as well as through autoantibodies identify the children at risk for diabetes, we can not predict the outbreak of diabetes during the prediabetic stage. The research group has recently shown the IL-17 defense response activation, and the prediabetic plasticity of Th17 immunity in children with weakened glucose tolerance. This venture aims to clarify wether or not the plasticity of IL-17 immunity can function as a new biomarker that in the prediabetic stage can predict the outbreak of diabetes, as well as the remainder of natural insulin production in persons with diabetes. Among the children at risk, the results will aid us in identifying those who will get diabetes, allowing treatment to be focused on them. We may also be able to develop new methods of diabetes prevention by inhibiting the plasticity of IL-17 immunity.
The large two-year grant, 50 000 euros
Lehtonen Sanna, PhD, docent, assistant professor, the University of Helsinki, Haartman Institute, pathology department
Identification of novel drug leads to treat insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes
The grant awarded professor Sanna Lehtonens research group also contains the following personal grants: Dumont Vincent, MSc, 12 000 euros, Lindfors Sonja, MSc, 12 000 euros
The research group aims to define the mechanisms that lead to decreased insulin resistance of the glomerular epithelial cells known as podocytes. The research strives to clarify what significance this weakened insulin resistance has in the development of albuminuria. The goal is to find new drug targets that may be utilized when developing drug treatment of type 2 diabetes.
One-year grants, roughly 25 000 euros
Badeau Robert M., PhD, the University of Turku, PET-centre, 25 000 euros
Diabetes prevention by mapping human hepatic genes in liver samples from the morbidly obese combined with serum lipoprotein subclass profiling
Morbid obesity predisposes individuals to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis. Diabetes accelerates atherosclerosis risk by triggering dysfunctions in lipoprotein metabolism. The liver is central to lipoprotein metabolism. The objective of this research is to define hepatic genetic and circulating metabolic profiles in the morbidly obese before as well as after bariatric surgery. The research results could prove useful in the development of diabetes-induced cardiovascular prevention methods.
Elo-Uhlgren Laura, PhD, docent, the University of Turku, Centre for Biotechnology, 25 000 euros
Early molecular markers and networks to predict Type 1 Diabetes
The grant awarded docent Laura Elo-Uhlgrens research group also contains the following personal grants: Seyednasrollah Fatemehsadat, MSc, 12 000 euros, Pursiheimo Anna, MSc, 12 000 euros
The current understanding is that the processes of the origin of type 1 diabetes start years before we are able to establish a diagnosis. The objective of the research group is therefore to find early factors and interactions on a molecular level that could be utilized in the development of new diagnostic tools and treatment methods. The DIPP follow-up study that began in 1994 offers a unique assortment of blood samples from children with a heightened genetic disease risk. Vast measurements of the samples on a cellular level alone are insufficient for understanding the complicated disease processes. Interpretation and utilization of the results demand effective computational approaches. The development and application of these approaches is the goal of this research venture. The venture is expected to bring forth new information regarding the birth mechanisms of type 1 diabetes. The developed computational methods are expected to be widely applicable in various biomedical applications, including future diabetes studies.
Hokkanen Laura, Psy.D., professor, the University of Helsinki, Institute of Behavioural Sciences, 25 000 euros
Memory and cognition in the adult offspring of mothers with diabetes
Gestational diabetes has negative effects on the child’s health and development. This research aims to clarify the cognitive and perceptive functions, language and mathematical skills as well as memory function of children of mothers with gestational diabetes when they reach the age of 40. It is possible that persons exposed to diabetes during their fetal stage exhibit more cognitive disturbances than their adult counterparts. In that case the central nervous system is more susceptible to degenerative changes beginning in middle-age, and the premature appearance of unfavorable aging, even dementia. This is studied by continuing the follow-up into pension age. Identifying the adulthood disease risks for a child of a mother with diabetes acts as a motivator for thorough screening and treatment.
Juuti-Uusitalo Kati, PhD, the University of Tampere, BioMediTech, 25 000 euros
In vitro cell model of diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a retinal disease caused by high blood glucose, and if left untreated it may cause blindness. There are drug treatments for diabetic retinopathy that decelerate the progression of the disease, but these are not able to return sight already lost. An in vitro cell model that resembles the actions of the blood-retinal barrier at the back of the eye is required in order to better understand the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, and to find new drugs to remedy various damages. This research venture aims to develop and test an in vitro cell model of diabetic retinopathy that portrays the physiology of the eye, and can later be used to model the cellular and biomolecular reactions that cause diabetic retinopathy. It can also be used as a test and development procedure for retinopathy treatment medicines, which would lessen animal testing.
Lindahl Maria, PhD, the University of Helsinki, the Institute of Biotechnology, 25 000 euros
Characterization of the therapeutic potential for beta cell specific overexpression of MANF in different diabetes mellitus mouse models
One of the main goals in type 1 diabetes therapy is to find a drug for functional beta cell proliferation and regeneration. The research group has found that a novel growth factor MANF can protect and stimulate proliferation of beta cells in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes (T1D). In addition, the group developed mice that lack MANF protein and thereby develop T1D. We hope that MANF has therapeutic potential for the treatment of T1D. The objective for this study is to create a mouse model where MANF based treatment can be tested.
Olkkonen Vesa, PhD, docent (molecular genetics), Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, 25 000 Euros
The role of the liver and visceral adipose tissue microRNA in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes
The grant awarded PhD Vesa Olkkonens research group also contains the following personal grant: Mysore Raghavendra, MSc, 8 month working grant, 16 000 euros
Obesity is often at the core of fatty liver disease, which causes type 2 diabetes. MicroRNA (miRNA) are small RNAs that regulate gene expression. The present work focuses on identifying and characterizing hepatic and visceral adipose tissue miRNAs and their target genes/biochemical processes, which are causally connected with fatty liver disease and its pathologic sequelae. The results of the study pave way towards new applications in both the diagnostics and in the therapy of fatty liver disease.
Pekkala Satu, PhD, the Universities of Jyväskylä and Turku, Department of Health Sciences, 25 000 euros
The role of the colonic flora and adipose tissue in insulin resistance and fattening of the liver
A third of westerners suffer from fattening of the liver caused by type 2 diabetes. Fatty liver disease is a serious health risk, because the liver functions as a significant metabolic regulator. The research team has recently shown that unfavourable colonic flora is connected to adipose tissue infection and fattening of the liver. This research venture aims to identify the mechanisms behind fattening of the liver with the help of cell cultures and animal testing. The research will produce new information regarding the birth mechanisms of fatty liver disease, and may aid in the development of its treatment. Results showing favourable bacteria preventing fattening of the liver have enormous therapeutic potential in the future.
Wurtz Peter, docent, PhD, the University of Oulu, Department of Health Sciences, 25 000 Euros
Comprehensive metabolic reflections of the risk for type 2 diabetes in young adults
The grant awarded the research group headed by docent Peter Wurtz also contains the following personal grant: Wurtz Peter, 8 400 euros
The research group hypothesizes that the risk for diabetes at mid-age is reflected in the metabolomics profile more than a decade earlier. The team will examine the risk relations of the metabolic and genetic markers with pre-diabetes and overt diabetes. The research results may improve prediction of future diabetes, which in turn could benefit prevention efforts.
Personal grants, roughly 10 000 euros
Aikio Mari, PhD, the University of Oulu, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 9 600 euros
Extracellular matrix in adipogenesis – roles of collagen XVIII in lineage commitment and differentiation of adipocytes
Emani Rohini, Graduate student, the University of Turku, Clinical Microbiology Department, 10 000 euros
The role of Diet and Microbes on Gut Immunity and Type 1 diabetes
Feodoroff Maija, Lic.Med., the University of Helsinki, Folkhälsan Research Centre, 8 000 euros
The effects of alcohol on the development of nephropathy and retinopathy in persons with type 1 diabetes and the effects of smoking on nephropathic progression: the synergy of smoking and genes
Gurzeler Erika Nina, MSc, the University of Eastern Finland/Kuopio, the AIV Institute, 10 000 euros
Cardiovascular complications of Type 2 Diabetes
Heinonen Ilkka, MSc (Sport and Health Sciences), MSc, PhD, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, 9 600 euros
The mechanisms and benefits of exercise training in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Kaminska Dorota, MSc Eng., the University of Eastern Finland/Kuopio, Department of Clinical Nutrition, 10 000 euros
The role of MSH5 alternative splicing in human obesity and type 2 diabetes
Laurila Pirkka-Pekka, Lic.Med., the National Institute for Health and Welfare, Public Health Genomics Unit, 10 600 euros
A new target molecule for drug development against obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease – involvement of brown adipose tissue
Mikkola Kirsi, MSc, the University of Turku, PET Centre, 10 000 euros
Pancreatic beta cell imaging with positron emission tomography
Tolonen Nina, Lic.Med., the University of Helsinki, Folkhälsan Research Centre, 10 000 euros
The connection of blood lipids with type 1 diabetes comorbidities
Vaittinen Maija, MSc, the University of Eastern Finland/Kuopio, the Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, 12 200 euros
CPPED1 (Calcineurin-like Phosphoesterase domain 1) gene activity in adipose tissue and its role in adipocyte glucose metabolism