Fatty acid binding protein-4 as a mediator of autoimmune diabetes: from molecular mechanism to clinical significance

Professor Xu, Aimin   (Principal Investigator (PI))

Emeritus Professor Lam Karen Siu Ling   (Co-Investigator)

Dr Hu Fang   (Co-Investigator)

Professor Zhou Zhiguang   (Co-principal investigator)

48

2015-01-01

1098911

Fatty acid binding protein-4 as a mediator of autoimmune diabetes: from molecular mechanism to clinical significance

diabetes, Islet inflammation, macrophages, metabolic regulation, β-cell autoimmunity

Diabetes/Metabolism,Endocrinology

N_HKU726/14

NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme

2014

Completed

1) To investigate whether genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of FABP4 prevents or delay autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β cells, insulitis and overt diabetes in mice; 2) To evaluate the contribution of FABP4 to dynamic changes on infiltration and composition of immune cells in NOD mice; 3) To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which FABP4 triggers insulitis and pancreatic β cell destruction by mediating immune cell crosstalk; 4) To explore the clinical relevance of FABP4 in the development of autoimmune diabetes in both Chinese and Caucasians.