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Neuroendocrine Cell Biology

Nils Wierup’s group

Our research

The purpose of our research is to understand how each islet cell type and each enteroendocrine cell type in the gut is affected in type 2 diabetes. Impaired islet function is necessary for type 2 diabetes to develop. Less is known on the role of gut hormones in type 2 diabetes pathophysiology.  

By identifying type 2 diabetes-induced alterations we foresee that we will understand both the causes of the disease and the body’s own defense mechanisms that try to counteract disease development. Identification of the latter holds promise for the development of therapeutic avenues.   

Our strategy to understand cell type specific alterations in type 2 diabetes is entirely based on findings in patient material using, for example, single cell- or bulk RNA sequencing and histological techniques. Leads from these studies are tested experimentally in cell models, primary cultures as well as in small and large animals. 

Aims

  • Using single cell RNA sequencing, we aim to identify which cellular processes are affected by type 2 diabetes and in which islet and small intestinal cell type this occurs.
  • To understand how the intestinal mucosa and regulation of incretin hormones are affected in patients subjected to gastric bypass surgery, an operation that often cures type 2 diabetes. 
  • To understand the intracellular basis for the antidiabetic effects of the islet hormone CART. 

Impact

We aim to identify type 2 diabetes-induced, cell type-specific alterations in islet and intestinal cells that explain why the disease develops.

We also work to identify cellular processes and targets that could form the basis for future treatment or prevention of type 2 diabetes. 
 

Research output

Link to a list of research output by the group in Lund University’s research portal

Team members

Link to a list of team members in Lund University’s research portal
 

Current major grants

  • Medicine and health grant from the Swedish Research Council 
  • Project grant from The Novo Nordisk Foundation 
  • Project grant from The Diabetes Wellness Foundation
  • Project grant from the Påhlsson Foundation 
  • Project grant from the Swedish Diabetes Foundation 
     
Portrait of Nils Wierup. Photograph.

Nils Wierup

Principal Investigator
Professor of neuroendocrine cell biology

+46 (0)703 78 66 24     
nils [dot] wierup [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se 

Nils Wierup's profile in Lund University's research portal

Affiliations

EXODIAB: Excellence of Diabetes Research in Sweden 

Link to EXODIAB’s page in Lund University’s research portal