Diabetes Modeling Core
Overview
The Diabetes Modeling Core (DM core) provides diabetes researchers with access to novel human stem cell-derived in vitro cell models and genetically-engineered murine models (GEMMs) for investigating cellular and molecular features of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Recent progress in stem cell, organoid culture, gene editing and directed differentiation technologies has afforded unique opportunities to develop state-of-the-art pre-clinical human in vitro diabetes models. Similarly, GEMMs of diabetes mellitus continue to provide crucial insights into developmental processes and disease mechanisms.
Because of the complex experimental protocols and specialized reagents used, together with the considerable up-front costs and time required to develop these sophisticated models, it is not practical nor cost-effective to develop these models in individual laboratories. To remove these barriers, the DM core will provide the expertise, infrastructure and access to these model systems and technologies. This goal will be achieved in three ways:
1) providing access, support and training in current and emerging pluripotent and adult stem cell technologies for in vitro human disease modeling;
2) providing access and support in current and emerging genetically-engineered mouse models and
3) providing validation, authentication and data sharing of all DM core-related technologies.
Core Directors
Peter Dempsey, PhD
Jennifer Matsuda, PhD
Key Personnel
