News & Research

    University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California

Mentor-based postdoctoral fellowship in islet biology

General Research Subject: Both Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes

Focus: Islet Biology\Beta Cell Growth and Differentiation, Islet Biology\Beta Cell Transcription Regulation

Type of Grant: Mentor Based Postdoctoral Fellowship

Project Start Date: July 1, 2011

Project End Date: June 30, 2015

Research Description

Insulin, the hormone that controls energy metabolism and regulates blood glucose levels, is produced exclusively in the pancreatic ß-cellcells.  When the insulin supplied by the ß-cell-cells is inadequate for an individual's metabolic requirements, blood glucose levels rise and diabetes mellitus ensues. 

Research Profile

Mentor: German, Michael, MD  Postdoctoral Fellow: Macias, Hector

What area of diabetes research does your project cover? What role will this particular project play in preventing, treating and/or curing diabetes?

This laboratory studies the molecular biology and development of the  ß-cell.  The long term objectives of this laboratory are to understand the mechanisms controlling the formation and function of the  ß-cell and to apply this knowledge to curing diabetes.

Why is it important for you, personally, to become involved in diabetes research?

An additional purpose of this laboratory is to train young scientists embarking on a career in diabetes research.  With our focus on diabetes and the ß-cell, this laboratory provides an outstanding training ground for diabetologist/scientists.  Fellows in this laboratory learn to approach the problems of  ß-cell biology and diabetes with the most current molecular and genetic technologies.  Furthermore, excellent diabetes and basic science laboratories surround us at UCSF and provide a collegial atmosphere that encourages collaboration.

What role will this award play in your research efforts?

A cure for people with type 1 diabetes, and for many people with type 2 diabetes, will require the replacement of the ß-cell, the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.  In this application, we propose to apply new insights into how ß-cell form during normal development to the problem of producing  cells for patients with diabetes.

In what direction do you see the future of diabetes research going?

I have a unique perspective as a clinician and basic biologist.  The future of diabetes research depends on the skillful application of the powerful tools of modern biology to the clinical problems of preventing and curing diabetes mellitus.  To achieve this goal, more imaginative, innovative young scientists are needed in the field. My goal has been to ensure a supportive, enriching and intellectually exciting environment for trainees in my laboratory, and to provide them with the skills, published evidence of scientific success, and enthusiasm needed to continue and to succeed in diabetes research.