Translational Research Program
The IDOM Translational Program facilitates translational and patient-oriented research by providing a focal point for interactions between basic and clinical investigators as well as a resource center for methodologies of interest to IDOM investigators. In addition, the Translational program encourages cross-fertilization of ideas between disciplines due to the increasing recognition that type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and the cardiovascular and other complications of these diseases may converge on common pathophysiological processes such as the development of insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress and alterations in central and peripheral neural activity.
The IDOM Translational Program enhances translational and clinical research by the following:
- Fostering multidisciplinary working groups centered around specific scientific questions. These working groups provide the foundation for multidisciplinary group projects, allowing investigators to initiate collaborations, present preliminary data, receive criticism and direction. Working groups include: fat metabolism in insulin resistance, hypoglycemia, hepatic steatosis, sleep disorders and metabolism, phenotyping obesity.
- Providing instruction and training in methods relevant to patient-oriented research within the IDOM. These methods may include measurement of insulin resistance and B-cell function, modeling of insulin and glucose kinetics, assessment of cardiovascular function and methods of evaluating food intake in humans.
- Establishing an infrastructure to promote translational research within the IDOM. The POR laboratory (Muredach Reilly, Director) currently stores and analyzes samples as well as isolates DNA and RNA samples. Future objectives include: availability of trained personnel to conduct methods to assess insulin sensitivity and collection of muscle and fat biopsies.
- Facilitating interaction among the IDOM, the General Clinical Research Center and the future CTSA to identify research needs, optimize strategies and ensure non-duplication of resources.
