Diabetic bladder dysfunction (DBD)—characterized by an overactive bladder that later fails to empty completely—is a common problem among people with diabetes. The available drug treatments have limited effectiveness. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has awarded Sylvia O. Suadicani, Ph.D., a four-year $1.9 million grant to investigate how molecules called urothelial pannexin 1 (Panx1) channels influence DBD’s development and progression. In preliminary studies involving diabetic mice, Dr. Suadicani and her colleagues showed that diabetes first increases the activity of Panx1, followed by decreased Panx1 activity during later stages of the disease. The scientists expect their upcoming research to show that Panx1 channels represent potential therapeutic targets for managing and preventing DBD.

Dr. Suadicani is an associate professor of urology and in the Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience at Einstein. (1 R01 DK122153-01)