Experts in this area use molecular, cellular, and physiological approaches to understand the basic biology underlying both type 2 diabetes and type 1 diabetes, specifically in humans.
Mentors in this Group
Leslie Baier, PhD.
Dr. Baier studies the genetic pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes using a variety of approaches including genomics and clinical research. Her research has focused on the Gila River Indian Community but now includes other underserved communities in urban Phoenix.
Floyd Chilton, PhD.
Dr. Chilton examines how genetic/epigenetic variations interact with human diets to drive inflammation and inflammatory disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, as well as psychiatric/developmental disorders.
Erika D. Eggers, PhD.
Dr. Eggers broad goal of research is to understand how inhibitory inputs influence neuronal signaling and sensory signal processing in the healthy and diabetic retina.
Fayez Ghishan, MD.
Dr. Ghishan's research focuse is on pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition with an interest in: 1) intestinal ion transport of phosphate, 2) defining the function of the sodium hydrogen exchanger (NHE-2) in the gastrointestinal tract and kidney, and 3) regulation of digestive vesicular glutamate transporter to regulate insulin and glucagon secretion by the beta and alpha cells, respectively, pertaining to type 2 diabetes.
Lawrence J Mandarino, PhD.
Dr. Mandarino's focus is on mechanisms of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, aiming to provide new targets for treating insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other cardiometabolic conditions. Also focuses on community-engaged biobanking in Latinos with type 2 diabetes.
Klearchos Papas, PhD.
Dr. Papas focuses on developing assays based on mitochondrial function for the real-time assessment of islet cell quality and developing new equipment to enhance efficacy of islet transplantation.