Beta Cell Signalling Lab

Failure of pancreatic beta cells is the underlying cause of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Our lab studies multiple aspects of how these cells function: how they make and secrete insulin in response to nutrient stimuli, how these processes are disrupted in diabetes, and how the life and death of beta cells are regulated.

A particular focus of our research is the link between chronic lipid oversupply and the failure of beta cells, which is associated with type 2 diabetes. We have used this model to identify key roles for cellular processes, such as endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy and inflammation. Our studies span a range of specialities from cellular assays (molecular and cellular biology, signal transduction and metabolism) to in vivo physiology. Our studies also encompass systems biological approaches, especially lipidomics. In addition to this, we are using our unique insights from these preclinical models to identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.