At the DRI, we bring together experts from diverse fields such as immunology, beta cell biology, tissue engineering, and clinical research to form our affinity groups. These groups are a key part of our strategy—they’re more than just teams. By fostering collaboration across disciplines, our affinity groups act as incubators of ideas and solutions that accelerate our journey toward discoveries, ultimately driving us closer to curing and preventing diabetes.
In our recent, Meet Our DRI Scientists event, leading DRI researchers Chris Fraker, PhD, and Giacomo Lanzoni, PhD, shared an exclusive look inside the labs. Chris and Giacomo shared insights into their work aimed at curing and preventing diabetes. Their innovative strategies are focusing on restoring the body’s insulin-producing cells, leveraging stem cells to inhibit immune attacks, and advancing methods to transplant and protect insulin-producing beta cells.
About our speakers:
Dr. Chris Fraker is dedicated to improving how cells are transplanted into the body. His work focuses on creating materials and methods that protect transplanted cells from the body’s immune system. By using special techniques to prepare cells before they are transplanted, Dr. Fraker’s team helps the cells survive longer and work better, without the need for powerful medications that suppress the immune system. This approach could make cell transplants safer and more effective for people with T1D.
Dr. Giacomo Lanzoni leads the DRI’s Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, where his team focuses on creating new treatments using stem cells. They have found that certain cells from umbilical cords can help reduce harmful inflammation and immune attacks that occur in T1D. By using these cells, they aim to protect the body’s insulin-producing cells and even help them recover. Dr. Lanzoni’s team works closely with experts to ensure these treatments are safe and ready for use in clinical trials.