FoodPrint Study

About the changes in genetic material of immune cells after hypoglycaemia

In this study, we are investigating the effect of transient hypoglycaemia on the genome of immune cells (CD8+ T cells) in people with type 1 diabetes. Cells of the adaptive immune system are able to react much faster and more efficiently to a pathogen they have encountered before. This process is called "immunological memory". Memory cells differ from normal defense cells not only in their function but also in their metabolism. In earlier studies, we were able to show that immune cells can not only detect pathogens, but also react to their metabolic products. High blood sugar levels can lead to permanent changes in the genetic material of cells of the blood vessel system. Whether blood glucose levels trigger similar changes in cells of the immune system and whether this effects their function will be investigated in this study.

Financial support

  • Bern University Hospital
  • Diabetes Center Berne (DCB)

Collaborations

  • ETH Zurich: Prof. Dr. Elgar Fleisch, Prof. Dr. Tobias Kowatsch, Prof. Dr. Stefan Feuerriegel, Prof. Dr. Mathias Kraus, Martin Maritsch, Caterina Bérubé
  • University of St. Gallen : Prof. Dr. Elgar Fleisch, Prof. Felix Wortmann

Principal Investigator

  • Prof. Dr. med. et phil. Maria Luisa Balmer