Two new EU-funded studies on diabetes research build on SIB’s expertise in innovative omics data integration and analysis. The studies offer insights into how glucose balance is maintained across organs, as well as characterizing insulin resistance at the molecular level. An illustration of how data science at SIB contributes to better understanding human metabolic health and aiding in the management of conditions like diabetes and obesity.
SIB’s complementary expertise in various omics data types: a key enabler
In both projects, our experts had to deal with large and heterogeneous multiomics datasets. As a first step, they came up with the appropriate data integration strategy. They then built integrative statistical models to analyse and interpret the data. Lastly, they conducted pathway analysis to facilitate insights on the molecular mechanisms at play. Such a comprehensive approach is possible thanks to the complementary expertise of our statistics and omics data specialists. Sounds like a familiar challenge? Find out more about our biostatistics and bioinformatics analyses services and contact us.
A new resource to understand how organs work together to control blood sugar
In a new study, part of the pan-European Rhapsody project and led by SIB’s Vital-IT scientists, key pathways linking the pancreas, muscle, liver, and fat tissue in regulating fasting blood sugar have been uncovered. By analyzing mice on different diets using advanced data integration methods, the researchers identified organ-specific molecular changes tied to higher blood sugar and insulin resistance. These include disrupted insulin signaling and energy metabolism in muscles and liver, altered hormone receptor expression in pancreatic islets, and increased inflammation in fat tissue. The comprehensive dataset resulting from the study offers a valuable resource for understanding how organs communicate to maintain glucose balance and for exploring new treatments for diabetes.
SIB’s complementary expertise in various omics data types: a key enabler
In both projects, our experts had to deal with large and heterogeneous multiomics datasets. As a first step, they came up with the appropriate data integration strategy. They then built integrative statistical models to analyse and interpret the data. Lastly, they conducted pathway analysis to facilitate insights on the molecular mechanisms at play. Such a comprehensive approach is possible thanks to the complementary expertise of our statistics and omics data specialists. Sounds like a familiar challenge? Find out more about our biostatistics and bioinformatics analyses services and contact us.
Read more about our involvement and our partners in the Rhapsody project
How insulin resistance drives diabetic kidney disease
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of kidney failure globally, and insulin resistance plays a major role in its progression. In a groundbreaking study part of the BEAt-DKD project, researchers analyzed key kidney cell types under insulin-sensitive and resistant conditions. By integrating advanced transcriptomic and proteomic techniques, SIB’s Vital-IT scientists helped uncover shared and cell-specific molecular changes tied to insulin resistance. These findings, validated with kidney biopsy data from DKD patients, offer valuable insights into the disease's mechanisms and pave the way for targeted therapies.
Read more about our involvement and our partners in the BEAt-DKD project
Reference(s)
Mehl F et al. A multiorgan map of metabolic, signaling, and inflammatory pathways that coordinately control fasting glycemia in mice, iScience 2024.
Lay A. et al. Profiling of insulin-resistant kidney models and human biopsies reveals common and cell-type-specific mechanisms underpinning Diabetic Kidney Disease, Nature Communications 2024.
