Department of Molecular Biosciences professor Dr. Brant Burkhardt. (Photo courtesy of Brant Burkhardt)
Dr. Brant Burkhardt, a professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences, has been awarded a grant from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) to study preventative treatment for Type 1 diabetes (T1D). This project is a collaboration among researchers and institutions, contributing to the overall research mission at USF.
The NCCIH is the primary federal agency responsible for scientific research on integrative health approaches. Its mission is to enhance health and healthcare through thorough scientific investigation.
Burkhardt’s research proposal aims to improve preventative therapeutic options for T1D. In this study, Burkhardt and his team will investigate a new treatment employing bioactive compounds from the extracted fruit of the Asiatic Dogwood (Cornus officinalis), a shrub or tree known for its medicinal value in traditional Chinese medicine.
“T1D is an autoimmune disease initiated by genetic predisposition and environmental influences culminating in the destruction of pancreatic β-cells with irreversible loss of insulin production. An estimated 1.25 million Americans have been diagnosed with T1D with about 18.5 thousand youths are newly diagnosed every year. The frequency and prevalence of T1D are increasing globally,” Burkhardt explained. “Despite strong predictive biomarkers of T1D, there is no cure and only one recently approved interventional therapy to slow disease progression. Therefore, identification and development of new interventional therapeutics to prevent T1D are needed and explored in this proposal. A potential source for novel interventional therapies is from the frequently used Cornus officinalis, a natural herbal compound utilized in the field of ethnopharmacology.”
Burkhardt was awarded a five-year grant totaling $1.8 million from the NCCIH. This grant is a result of the collaborative efforts of researchers across institutions. The team includes Dr. Stanley Stevens Jr. and PhD candidate Justin Fletcher from the Department of Molecular Biosciences at USF, Dr. Mark Atkinson from the Department of Pathology and Pediatrics at the University of Florida, Dr. Clare Zhang, a master of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and Dr. John Chen, an herbal and medical consultant at Evergreen Herbs.
(From left) Doctoral candidate and lead scientists, Justin Fletcher, principal investigator,
Dr. Brant
Burkhardt, and co-principal investigator, Dr. Stanley Stevens Jr. (Photo courtesy
of Brant Burkhardt)
“Our NCCIH proposal aims to explain the mechanism of action, determine effect on T1D onset and progression in-vivo, and reveal the precise biological agents within Cornus officinalis. We hope this study will provide new insights into the clinical use of Cornus officinalis and reveal what is needed for pancreatic B-cell survival and function to provide a well-tolerated therapy for early onset T1D,” Burkhardt said.
As the research project commences, Burkhardt reflects on the significance of this award for the field of molecular biosciences and the university at large.
“Obtaining this grant greatly contributes to the strong research mission and Association of American Universities (AAU) status of USF, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Molecular Biosciences,” Burkhardt said.
To learn more about Dr. Burkhardt’s research, visit the website for the Department of Molecular Biosciences.