Islet function core

Core 1: Co-led by Dr. Johnson (LSI) & Dr. Luciani (BCCHR)


The Islet function core will assess beta cell function and other type 1 diabetes research activities related to the goals of the centre.

Measurements offered will include dynamic insulin secretion in response to glucose by perifusion, islet cell extracellular flux (Seahorse), calcium signalling, using human or mouse islet function as a comparator.

In addition to standard beta cell function assessments, the centre’s scientists have additional expertise which can provide more a more detailed assessment of beta cell function. The expertise includes knowledge of single cell transcriptomics (Dr. Lynn), pancreas histology and pathology (Dr. Kopp), prohormone biosynthesis (Dr. Verchere), and cell metabolism (Dr. Klein Geltink).

Contact for UBC main campus: Dr. Johnson (jimjohn@mail.ubc.ca)
Contact point for BCCHR: Dr. Luciani (dluciani@bcchr.ca)

UBC site – Dr. Johnson
Human islets stained for insulin (green) and IAPP (red). The image is kindly donated by JDRF Advanced postdoctoral fellow Dr. Yi-Chun Chen from the Verchere lab.
BCCHR site – Dr. Luciani