Research in the Linnemann lab is focused on diabetes; specifically the study of the insulin producing pancreatic beta-cells under conditions of inflammatory stress.
Thus, we are particularly interested in how higher level metabolic signals contribute to molecular crosstalk within the islet and influence beta-cell adaptation to stress. In an effort to develop therapies that prevent beta-cell failure in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, projects in the lab are focused on 3 major areas:
- Identifying mechanisms of adaptive stress response in the pancreatic islet that enable beta-cell survival
- Studying paracrine signaling in the islet under conditions of stress and increased demand
- Understanding the regulation of core mediators of autophagy and how this process contributes to beta-cell homeostasis and survivial
Research: Islet Function and Survival
