INSERM Paris satellite lab opens at the IBRI
The vision of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) is to build a world-class organization that accelerates innovative research across the life sciences community. The IBRI is turning that vision into reality by welcoming Roberto Mallone, MD, PhD, and Sylvaine You, PhD, to the Institute to open a satellite lab that will complement the work of their lab at INSERM (National Institute of Health and Medical Research) in Paris, France.
The Mallone-You Lab focuses on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. T1D is an autoimmune disease resulting from the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells by the immune system, specifically by autoreactive T lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Mallone notes that we all harbor autoreactive T lymphocytes. Yet, in most cases, they are benign.
So, why do they turn aggressive and cause diabetes in some people?
To answer that question, Mallone and You are exploring the mechanisms that make the beta cells more vulnerable to an attack by T lymphocytes. You said, “We hope our work at the IBRI will help us identify molecules that might protect beta cells and lead us to novel therapeutics that will better treat T1D.”
In addition to being the only cells in our bodies that produce insulin, beta cells also have a limited ability to regenerate. When we find ways to protect beta cells, we can better treat – or even prevent – T1D.
Prevention of T1D is the primary focus of Mallone’s and You’s work at INSERM Paris. “While there will be an ocean between us, we view these two labs as connected entities with regular meetings via video and visits for the scientists to both labs,” said Mallone.
“Launching a satellite lab at the IBRI provides us access to expertise we don’t have in Paris. We will be able to use the iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cell) Lab to generate beta cells. We will have access to experts who can help us model genes that may be involved in making individuals more susceptible to T1D. And we can further strengthen our relationship with the Indiana University School of Medicine.”
Mallone and You will spend about 20 percent of their time at the IBRI and have already hired a staff scientist – Jahnavi Aluri, PhD.
“We are excited to welcome the Mallone-You Lab to the IBRI,” said IBRI President and CEO Alan Palkowitz. “This is the start of a unique collaboration, and we are eager to see our partnership grow and to welcome other satellite labs to the IBRI in the future.”