Abstract: The invention provides compounds and methods useful for the diagnosis, prediction, therapy, or prophylaxis of type 1 diabetes. The compounds of the invention include peptides derived from IAPP (islet amyloid polypeptide) precursor, proinsulin, insulin, IGRP, IA-1 or phogrin peptides.

Abstract: Methods and compositions which are useful in the treatment of amyloidosis. In particular, methods and compositions are provided for inhibiting, preventing and treating amyloid depositions, e.g. in pancreatic islets, wherein the amyloidotic deposits are islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP)-associated amyloid deposition or deposits. The methods of the invention involved administering to a subject a therapeutic compound which inhibits IAPP-associated amyloid deposits. Accordingly, the compositions and method of the invention are useful for inhibiting IAPP-associated amyloidosis in disorders in which such amyloid deposition occurs, such an diabetes. The invention also provides a process for the preparation of cells suitable for transplantation into a mammal, which cells are capable of forming fibrils, said process comprising contacting the cells with an inhibitor of fibril formation. In particular the process prepares cells for use in a method of treating diabetes.

Abstract: The invention features methods for the treatment of diabetes by administering a IAP nucleic acid sequence to a subject. One method includes the steps of (a) providing one or more insulin-producing cells or one or more precursor cells capable of producing progeny cells that produce insulin; (b) transducing the cells with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an IAP polypeptide, the nucleic acid sequence positioned for expression of the IAP polypeptide in the cells, wherein expression of the IAP polypeptide increases survival of the cells relative to untreated control cells; and (c)transplanting the cells from step (b) that have been transduced with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an IAP polypeptide into the individual, wherein the cells produce insulin in amounts sufficient to treat diabetes in the individual.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds and methods useful for the diagnosis, prediction, therapy, or prophylaxis of type 1 diabetes. The compounds of the invention include peptides derived from IAPP (islet amyloid polypeptide) precursor peptides.