David Jacobson
Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics (MPB)
Vanderbilt Diabetes Research and Training Center (DRTC)
Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research (VCAR)
Molecular Endocrinology Training Program
Integrated Training in Engineering and Diabetes Program
Vanderbilt Membrane Transport Group
Beta Cell Interest Group (BIG)
The Jacobson lab focus is on the mechanisms that influence pancreatic islet calcium homeostasis and hormone secretion under physiological and diabetic conditions. The goal is to identify pathways that can be therapeutically targeted to reduce pancreatic islet dysfunction and restore euglycemia in patients with diabetes. The primary models employed in these projects include: human islets, rodent islets, pancreatic slices and cultured cells. The research utilizes cutting edge approaches in molecular biology, fluorescent microscopy (both widefield and confocal), electrophysiology, biochemistry, virus mediated expression of genetically encoded indicators for calcium and membrane potential, and transgenic models.
The Jacobson lab focus is on the mechanisms that influence pancreatic islet calcium homeostasis and hormone secretion under physiological and diabetic conditions. The goal is to identify pathways that can be therapeutically targeted to reduce pancreatic islet dysfunction and restore euglycemia in patients with diabetes. The primary models employed in these projects include: human islets, rodent islets, pancreatic slices and cultured cells. The research utilizes cutting edge approaches in molecular biology, fluorescent microscopy (both widefield and confocal), electrophysiology, biochemistry, virus mediated expression of genetically encoded indicators for calcium and membrane potential, and transgenic models.
Keywords: diabetes , hormone secretion , physiology , ion channel , microscopy , neuroscience
Research Area: Diabetes, Obesity, Metabolism , Cell Structure , Molecular Pathology