Double Gene Knockout of PDX-1 and HNF1β Leads to Possible Novel Gene Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease characterized by uncontrolled and elevated blood glucose which is the effect of inadequate levels of plasma insulin. Type I diabetes (T1D) ultimately stems from the autoimmune destruction of beta cells because of defects in the PDX-1 and possibly HNF1B. If both of these genes knocked out together increase the detriment effect of T1D, then a gene therapy can be created using the AAV vectors that not only targets one gene but both at the same time, increasing the strength of the gene therapy and the quality of life for the T1D patient

Ability of Flavonoids to Mimic the Estrogen Receptor to Drive Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cell Differentiation

Flavonoids are natural compounds found in dietary elements such as soy, grains, and vegetables that have the potential to bind to the estrogen receptor. Activation of the estrogen receptor drives myeloid derived suppressor cell (MDSC) accumulation, cells that increase during cancer, inflammation, and infection. In this study, we are investigating specific flavonoids, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), kaempferol, naringenin, daidzein, and genistein, for their ability to mimic estrogen. After examination, we expect that MDSC differentiation will decrease upon treatment of the chosen flavonoids, leading to reduced carcinogenic effects