Acquired Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Diabetic Neuropathy

Dr. Cashman’s project, “Acquired Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Diabetic Neuropathy,” is in response to the concern for a projected increase in the number of individuals suffering from diabetic neuropathy and the limited treatments for this medical condition. “Diabetes is often associated with a length-dependent neuropathy, but how a systemic disorder, such as diabetes, can lead to isolated symptoms in the ends of only the longest nerves remains unknown. Recent work has shown the metabolism of an axon to be critical for its maintenance. My research is focused on the health of the mitochondria (primary source of energy in cells and axons) in the start and end of axons in a model of diabetes,” he says.

Dr. Cashman’s goal for this project is to increase the understanding of how diabetes may lead to a length-dependent neuropathy, particularly regarding the differential function and health of the mitochondria within the nerve. He believes having this specific understanding could lead to the development of mechanistically targeted therapeutics and a greater general understanding of the processes that drive the development of neuropathies. His hope is that this project will lay the foundation for future work on diabetic and other length-dependent neuropathies by identifying fundamental processes that may drive their development.