This program includes projects to elucidate the basic biology of the endocrine cells of the pancreas, which include alpha, beta, delta, etc., cells within the islet. These include insulin or other hormone synthesis and secretion, coupling of nutrient sensing to insulin secretion, cell interactions, role of incretins, cytokines, other hormones, and enervation, studies of apoptosis and cell turnover in the adult organ, metabolism, basic signal transduction and regulation of gene transcription, especially as these areas relate to beta cell and islet function. This program also contains studies in cell culture to bioengineer glucose-responsive hormone secreting cells or islets for eventual treatment of diabetes.
For more information, contact Dr. Michael Appel, Director, Islet Biology and Transplantation Research Program