Understanding and preventing type 1 diabetes through the unique working model of TrialNet

Manuela Battaglia, Mark S. Anderson, Jane H. Buckner, Susan M. Geyer, Peter A. Gottlieb, Thomas W.H. Kay, Åke Lernmark, Sarah Muller, Alberto Pugliese, Bart O. Roep, Carla J. Greenbaum, Mark Peakman

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease arising from the destruction of pancreatic insulin-producing beta cells. The disease represents a continuum, progressing sequentially at variable rates through identifiable stages prior to the onset of symptoms, through diagnosis and into the critical periods that follow, culminating in a variable depth of beta cell depletion. The ability to identify the very earliest of these presymptomatic stages has provided a setting in which prevention strategies can be trialled, as well as furnishing an unprecedented opportunity to study disease evolution, including intrinsic and extrinsic initiators and drivers. This niche opportunity is occupied by Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet, an international consortium of clinical trial centres that leads the field in intervention and prevention studies, accompanied by deep longitudinal bio-sampling. In this review, we focus on discoveries arising from this unique bioresource, comprising more than 70,000 samples, and outline the processes and science that have led to new biomarkers and mechanistic insights, as well as identifying new challenges and opportunities. We conclude that via integration of clinical trials and mechanistic studies, drawing in clinicians and scientists and developing partnership with industry, TrialNet embodies an enviable and unique working model for understanding a disease that to date has no cure and for designing new therapeutic approaches.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2139-2147
Number of pages9
JournalDiabetologia
Volume60
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2017

Keywords

  • Autoimmunity
  • Mechanistic studies
  • Review
  • Type 1 diabetes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Understanding and preventing type 1 diabetes through the unique working model of TrialNet'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this