Barak Blum
Credentials: Cell & Regenerative Biology Department
Position title: Functional beta cell maturation
Email: bblum4@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 265-5211
Address:
4551 Wi Institute Medical Research
1111 Highland Ave
Madison, WI 53705
LAB WEBSITE:
FOCUS GROUPS:
Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine; Cellular & Molecular Metabolism
RESEARCH DESCRIPTION:
The research in my lab aims at understanding the molecular regulation of terminal differentiation of stem/progenitor cells, with focus on pancreatic beta cells, and to understand the role of the islet of Langerhans as a mini organ in controlling functional beta-‐cell maturation. We use both mouse models and human pluripotent stem cell differentiation to identify genetic and molecular regulatory nodes important for the functionally mature cell state, which is determined by characteristic gene expression, and by the correct secretion of insulin to physiologically relevant levels of glucose. We use genetic engineering to manipulate gene regulatory networks and reintroduce diabetes-‐susceptibility alleles into the cells and the mice, and study the role of the affected pathways in beta cell maturation and the development of diabetes.