What We Do
The Kalwat Lab is investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying pancreatic islet beta cell function in health and in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Beta cells are the sole source of the hormone insulin, which controls glucose homeostasis and these cells are either destroyed or fail to function in diabetes.
Kalwat’s team uses a combination of approaches including small molecule and genetic high-throughput screening, as well as genetically-encoded biosensors to gain knowledge about beta cell function. Identifying new pathways and targets is necessary to develop therapeutics that protect and restore the function of these cells in diabetes.