Type II diabetes is a disorder that affects the body's ability to produce or utilize insulin, and is characterized by hyperglycemia. The p53 tumor suppressor pathway has been shown to play a role in maintaining glucose homeostasis in a process mediated by Ser18. To better understand insulin resistance, we utilized a loss of p53 function model (phosphorylation mutant p53Ser23Ala) and a model where p53 is hyperactivated (model p44) to further define the role of p53 in insulin sensitivity in vivo. Insulin-mediated Akt activation was analyzed in tissues as a marker for insulin sensitivity. Glucose homeostasis was measured through glucose and insulin tolerance tests. It was found through these mouse models that p53 plays a vital role in regulating glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Franck, Debra-Ann
• Tracy, Laura Ann

Contributors

• Sluss, Hayla

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042810-124821

Advisor

• Adams, David S.

Year

• 2010

Sponsor

• UMass Med

Date created

• 2010-04-28

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-09-20