Research summary
The islets of Langerhans are a cluster of cells in the pancreas that produce hormones—including insulin—that regulate blood sugar levels. In diabetes, these islet cells have reduced function.
Dr. Patrick MacDonald, Canada Research Chair in Islet Biology, is examining how pancreatic islet cells work in health and contribute to diabetes. He and his research team are using animal models and human tissue to link cell pathways with altered gene expression and impaired islet cell function. Their research is supported by a unique human islet tissue biobank. Ultimately, they hope to find new approaches to prevent and treat diabetes.