MicroRNAs & Beta-Cell Biology Lab

What we do

Pancreatic beta cells within the islets of Langerhans are essential regulators of body glucose homeostasis through the synthesis and secretion of insulin. Our group is interested in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlay the control of insulin secretion by beta cells and how its failure contributes to the development of diabetes. One of the main focuses of our research is on microRNAs (miRNAs), which are small non-coding RNAs that silence gene expression post-transcriptionally, essential for beta-cell development, function and survival.

Our group combines gene editing, cutting-edge molecular and cellular biology techniques and mouse models to investigate the function and mechanism of action of specific miRNAs and their gene targets in beta-cells and in whole body glucose homeostasis.

Summary of current research

Our current projects include:

• Investigation of the role of AMPK in regulating beta cell microRNA expression and its impact on beta cell identity and function.
• Deciphering the mechanism of action of miR-125b in beta cells and its therapeutic potential in type 2 diabetes (T2D)
• Exploring new approaches to disrupt the function of specific miRNAs on selected target mRNAs in beta cells.
• The role of cation-dependent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (M6PR) in β-cells and its potential as therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes.
• The role of mitochondrial fission process 1 (MTFP1) in pancreatic beta cells mitochondria.
• Exploring miRNA heterogeneity within pancreatic beta-cell subpopulations to improve beta-cell therapies.