Endocrinology & Diabetes

Unraveling the mechanisms of glucose transport, our laboratory investigates how facilitative glucose transporters regulate normal and disordered glucose homeostasis. Focusing on structure–function relationships within GLUT proteins, we apply advanced chemical and biophysical techniques to define the architecture of GLUT1 and GLUT4. In parallel, we examine how HIV protease inhibitors alter GLUT function, aiming to uncover molecular pathways that contribute to insulin resistance in treated patients.

Research profile

Decoding insulin resistance through rare genetic syndromes, our laboratory investigates severe insulin resistance disorders as unique experiments of nature to uncover fundamental principles of insulin signaling. Leveraging patient-derived models and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we create transgenic mice and induced pluripotent stem cells differentiated into key cell types, enabling deep insights into molecular pathology and therapeutic discovery. These approaches bridge basic biology with translational strategies to improve care for metabolic disease.

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Investigating early-life origins of liver disease, our laboratory examines how maternal and paternal diet, microbiome shifts and exercise shape offspring liver health. Grounded in the developmental origins hypothesis, we focus on how in utero and perinatal events influence risk for chronic conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with particular emphasis on the impact of parental over-nutrition.

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Investigating how hormonal changes during pregnancy shape long-term cardiovascular health, our center explores the molecular mechanisms linking gestational hyperandrogenism and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals with adverse maternal and fetal cardio-metabolic outcomes. By integrating large animal models with cellular and molecular biology, we aim to uncover pathways that predispose offspring to cardiovascular disease and identify strategies for prevention and treatment. Our work advances the developmental origins of health and disease framework, driving innovation in early-life interventions.

Research profile