Many of the mechanisms underlying growth remain a mystery. CMC investigators are examining several crucial links in the growth chain that extends from infancy to adulthood. Among these are questions about the hormonal requirements for normal growth in boys and girls at puberty, what factors are responsible for abnormal growth, and how can the new discoveries using molecular biology can be implemented to help children. Diabetes ranks as the most prevalent life-threatening hormonal disorder affecting children today. The central question of what causes diabetes remains unanswered.
Recent study indicates that an immunological abnormality is responsible.
CMC researchers apply the latest techniques to sort out the mechanisms the body uses to destroy insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Other studies are directed toward the thousands of diabetic children who must adapt to body degeneration and abnormal growth resulting from the disease. Much of this research seeks to educate children and their parents on dealing with a specialized diet and insulin therapy. Thousands of children, however, continue to suffer from debilitating cancers. Cancer arises from a disorder in the regulation of cell growth.