US Patent:
20020018987, Feb 14, 2002
Inventors:
Barbara Corkey - Boston MA, US
Nicholas Husni - Boston MA, US
Assignee:
Trustees of Boston University
International Classification:
C12Q001/00
G01N033/48
Abstract:
The present invention features methods for diagnosing insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in a test subject, for example a subject at risk of developing IDDM, which involve detecting hyper-responsive Ca mobilization in cells obtained from the test subject. Hyper-responsive Ca mobilization can be detected in cells contacted with a stimulatory agent, preferably in cells contacted with a potentiating agent and a stimulatory agent. Methods of the present invention include comparing Ca mobilization in cells from the test subject to Ca mobilization in cells from a control subject. The present invention further features kits for use in the detection of IDDM.