Research Programs 

The Diabetes Center aims to promote scientific breakthroughs that will transform how we treat diabetes. Our strong facilities infrastructure supports an interdisciplinary team of islet biology, autoimmunity and translational research leaders. Our scientists investigate critical topics, including understanding the basic biology underlying beta cell development and function, how to make insulin-producing cells from stem cells, how to protect them from the immune system, and finally how to translate these findings into viable therapies for patients. 

Islet & Stem Cell Biology 

Investigating the progression from stem cells to organized islets and the key mechanisms driving islet function

Our program has a strong emphasis on developing islet-like clusters from stem cells, with the long-term goal of transplantation into patients with Type 1 diabetes. Ongoing work involves developing stem-cell derived islet clusters that are mature and functional, understanding the islet microenvironment, and identifying key factors to improve islet survival during transplantation.

Islet biology researchers also study the fundamental processes that control islet function. This ranges from investigating the generation of islet autoantigens that predispose islets to autoimmune destruction, to exploring the mechanisms underlying the regulation of insulin synthesis and secretion, as well as beta cell apoptosis and regeneration. The Islet Biology program also has strong collaborative ties with the Autoimmunity & Inflammation Program, leveraging shared expertise to better understand how immune system dysregulation affects islet health and contributes to Type 1 Diabetes progression.

Autoimmunity & Inflammation

Researching the origins and therapeutic modulation of autoimmune destruction of the islet in Type 1 Diabetes

Research within the program is focused on understanding how dysregulation of the immune system can lead to autoimmunity, with the ultimate goal of identifying new targets for the prevention and treatment of Type 1 Diabetes. It brings together a multidisciplinary team of investigators with expertise in areas such as islet autoimmunity, T cell tolerance, immune cell trafficking, innate immunity, immune interactions with metabolic tissues, and clinical research in Type 1 Diabetes.

These collaborative efforts are uncovering novel insights into key mechanisms driving the disease, including the surveillance of islet antigens that triggers autoimmunity, the breakdown of T cell tolerance leading to immune attacks on pancreatic islets, and the trafficking and behavior of autoreactive T cells.

Translation & Therapeutics

Translating preclinical findings into real-world improvements in diabetes treatment

This program provides a gateway to translate findings from basic research into therapeutic intervention for human health. The Translation Program focuses on areas such as the study of genetic and environmental factors affecting diabetes development, alongside a strong emphasis on optimizing islet transplantation. This includes efforts to produce highly viable islets and creating innovative tolerance-based therapies for transplantation.

In addition, large and collaborative genetic and mechanistic studies led by our investigators use a new generation of genomic and metabolic tools to investigate the underlying causes of disease, as well as the mechanism of action of drug therapies within diverse patient populations. This interdisciplinary approach is critical for identifying ideal candidates for specific therapeutic interventions, allowing the right therapy to be delivered to the right person at the right time. By bridging basic research with practical applications, the Translation Program drives the development of real-world therapies to improve patient outcomes.