Lab research areas:
1. Understanding the mechanism of abnormal insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells is critical to developing novel therapies to treat type 2 diabetes. However, before we can even begin to develop therapies to improve insulin release we first must understand how the ?-cell senses nutrients under normal physiological conditions. Since the current model for glucose regulated insulin release is incomplete, my laboratory will focus on shedding light on this area.
2. Islet transplantation is an important treatment option for type 1 diabetes however there is only a limited supply of human islets. Another focus in the laboratory is to use a novel gene delivery technique to enhance islet function/ survival prior to transplantation. If successful this may reduce the number of islets required for transplantation increasing the number of potential recipients from each donor.
These studies represent the two central themes in the laboratory; 1) to ascertain how the ?-cell senses glucose and 2) to search for ways to reduce the number of islets required for islet transplantation. These two themes are connected in that theme one will provide novel targets to enhance islet function in theme two.
Application: We are now accepting application for a postdoctoral fellow. If you are interested in Diabetes research please send 1) your CV, and 2) names and contact information for two referees (include their full mailing and email address).
Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Preference will be given to individual with a PhD in biochemistry and/or physiology. This individual must have experience in mammalian cell culture, real-time PCR, molecular biology and immunohistochemistry. Additional skills that would be an asset are experience in GC/MS and/or LC/MS. ONLY those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Lab webpage:
www.betacellmetabolism.org
