Functional beta cells can be derived from human pluripotent stem cells and produce islet-like organoids (SC-islets). This unlimited source of human beta cells enables us to conduct metabolomic and chemical screens, to investigate the metabolic effects of nutritional stress on the metabolism of human pancreatic beta cells and to improve SC-beta cell maturation.

Pancreatic beta cells are considered “nutrient sensors” as they constantly monitor nutrient levels, however it is still largely unknown how beta cells integrate environmental signals to coordinate their metabolism and function. We will study the cellular heterogeneity in nutrient sensing by beta cells. How it controls functional differences between individual beta cells, the functionality of the entire organ, and helps in maintaining metabolic homeostasis during nutritional changes