Research

Area 3

Diabetes: metabolic and molecular networks.

Team leader

Strategic objectives

1. Molecular mechanisms regulating plasticity of the islets in diabetes and obesity

2. Molecular determinants regulating pancreatic beta-cell function: etiopathogenic role in diabetes

3. Diabetes andobesity as cardiovascular disease

Main lines of research


1. Analysis of the transcriptional circuits regulating the beta-cell population and its function.

2. Description of the modulating effects of the transcription factors neuroD1 and neurogenin 3 in the embryonic development of the pancreas.

3. Description of the molecular pathways involved in the antiobesity and antidiabetic effects of sodium tungstate in experimental animals.

4. Impact of normal blood glucose upon endothelial dysfunction: use of treatments with insulin pumps.

5. Determination of the role of the hypothalamus in the control of energy homeostasis in obesity.

6. Analysis of the epigenetic regulation of adipogenesis.

7. Determination of the molecular effects of SNP rs7903146 of TCF7L2 and its role in the risk of developing diabetes.

For further information: www.diabetisiobesitat.org i www.ciberdem.org

Grups

Pancreatic islets: biomarkers and function (Associated)

GOMIS, RAMON

(DIR.RECERCA)

The group headed by Dr. Ramon Gomis investigates the physiology of pancreatic islets and adipose tissue, and the causes leading to dysfunction of these tissues. A central aspect of these studies is the determination of the molecular mechanisms implicated in cell mass balance at both embryonic development level and as refers to adult age – with special emphasis on cell regeneration and apoptotic processes.

Molecular and metabolic alterations in diabetes (Associated)

NOVIALS, ANNA

(IDIBAPS)

The main line of research of the group headed by Dr. Novials involves the study of the molecular, genetic and environmental factors critical to pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and destruction in type 2 diabetes.