Mark A. Magnuson, M.D.
Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
Louise B. McGavock Chair
Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology
Professor of Medicine
Research Overview:
Directed differentiation and genetic manipulation of embryonic stem cells
Research Description:
We are interested in developing new types of therapies for the treatment of diabetes. This requires a deep understanding of pancreatic beta cell function and development. My laboratory has a long history of developing novel and mouse models using gene targeting and recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) strategies, and using these mice to gain important new insights and understanding of the molecular physiology of diabetes. However, better models that more closely mimic the physiology and pathophysiology of human diseases, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, are needed. Towards this end, we have been developing several novel strategies and methods that will enable us to generate better animal models that more closely model the human.