Our Research Members

My lab, in collaboration with Dr. Minna Woo, has demonstrated the effect of unphosphorylated, constitutive active form of the tumor suppressor pRb on pancreatic islet homeostasis. We found that constitutive active pRb knocking mice, Rb∆K7, exhibit pancreatic beta cell degeneration, senescence and diabetes. We also showed that vitamin C, an agonist of TET enzymes, attenuated senescence and diabetes in these mice (EMBO J, 2022).

We are currently exploring improved strategies to reduce senescence and increase regeneration of pancreatic beta cells (with Drs. M. Woo and D. Winer). In collaboration with Drs. Herbert Gaisano and Gary Bader, we’re analyzing pancreatic islets from these diabetic mice by snRNA-seq/ATAC-seq and have identified targetable alterations.

Dr. Zinman was involved in studies evaluating metabolic and pharmacologic interventions to prevent diabetes complications, diabetes in aboriginal communities, and evaluation of new therapies for Type 1 and 2 Diabetes.