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RESEARCH

The Bruin lab studies the pathogenesis of diabetes, with a focus on insulin-secreting beta cells, which are located in endocrine cell clusters within the pancreas called ‘islets’.  We are particularly interested in how environmental factors impact the endocrine pancreas during fetal development and during adult periods of metabolic stress.

 

Our research uses a diverse range of complementary tools and approaches.  Our in vivo work includes mouse models of diabetes (type 1 and type 2), transgenic and gene knockout mouse models, and islet transplantation techniques.  Our in vitro models include differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into pancreas lineage cells (a unique tool for modeling human pancreas development), primary human and mouse pancreatic islets, and immortalized rodent cell lines.

 

Current projects are investigating the role of xenobiotic metabolism enzymes in pancreatic islets, and identifying environmental toxicants that adversely impact adult beta cell function and survival, as well as critical windows of beta cell development.

AREAS OF RESEARCH

Islet Biology

Diabetes

Pancreas Development

Toxicology

FUNDING

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CFI
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