Olof Idevall-Hagren

Organelles of the β-cell and their interactions

The cells of the body are divided into functional compartments, the organelles. These have specific functions, such as energy production, protein synthesis and breakdown of macromolecules. Although the organelles may appear as independent entities, they have to continuously exchange information with each other, and if this exchange is compromised it will lead to dysfunctional cells, and in extension to pathological changes. In our research we use advanced light microscopy to study how the organelles distribute, interact and communicate with each other. The information exchange often involves ions and lipids and takes place where two organelles are physically tethered. How such contacts are formed, what information that they transduce and what role this transport has for cell function are major aims with our research.

Type-2 diabetes is a global pandemic, and one hallmark of this disease is defects in the insulin producing β-cells of the pancreas that no longer are able to release insulin and control blood glucose levels. In our research we try to understand how the β-cells change in diabetes, with a focus on changes related to organelle function. Our hope is to identify mechanisms that are altered in type-2 diabetes and that have therapeutic potential.

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