RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH | | |
The protein deacetylase SIRT2 exerts metabolic control over adaptive
β-cell proliferation
Therapies promoting β-cell proliferation have the potential to regenerate functional β-cell mass from surviving β-cells in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Mechanisms controlling β-cell proliferation have been under intense investigation in hopes of identifying new therapeutic targets for expanding β-cells. Here, a study led by Drs. Matthew Wortham and Maike Sander has identified a role for the protein deacetylase Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) in dampening β-cell proliferation via effects on cell metabolism. Through pharmacological and genetic approaches, the investigators found that SIRT2 restrains proliferation of mouse and human β-cells in a glucose concentration-dependent manner. In mice, Sirt2 deletion enhanced β-cell proliferation during hyperglycemia with little effect in homeostatic conditions. Mechanistic studies revealed that SIRT2 deacetylates glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, dampening the adaptive increase in islet oxygen consumption during hyperglycemia. In addition to its direct effect on metabolism, SIRT2 is required to fully activate β-cell stress responses to hyperglycemia. In a proof-of-concept experiment for therapeutically inactivating Sirt2 in β-cells, the investigators showed that systemic treatment of diabetic mice with a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1)-coupled Sirt2-targeting antisense oligonucleotide reproduces the mitogenic effect of β-cell Sirt2 deletion. Given the context-dependent effect of SIRT2 in restraining adaptive β-cell proliferation under high glucose without effects in normoglycemic conditions, this study has identified a promising therapeutic strategy for controlled β-cell expansion in diabetes.
Manuscript Information: Wortham M, Ramms B, Zeng C, Benthuysen JR, Sai S, Pollow DP, Liu F, Schlichting M, Harrington AR, Liu B, Prakash TP, Pirie EC, Zhu H, Baghdasarian S, Lee ST, Ruthig VA, Wells KL, Auwerx J, Shirihai OS, Sander M. The protein deacetylase SIRT2 exerts metabolic control over adaptive β cell proliferation. J Clin Invest. 2025 Jul 31:e187020. PMID: 40762838
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The Human Islet Research Network (HIRN) is now accepting applications for its Associate Membership Program, designed to welcome investigators with active, peer-reviewed funding who are conducting research aligned with HIRN’s mission to understand and restore islet function in type 1 diabetes. This program offers opportunities to collaborate with HIRN consortia, present research at annual meetings, and engage in interdisciplinary discussions that advance the field of islet biology and diabetes research.
Eligible applicants must be Principal Investigators on active grants that advance the mission of HIRN and committed to participating in HIRN activities, including meetings, consortium calls, and presentations. No additional funding is provided, but members gain access to a vibrant research network and professional development opportunities.
Applications are due by October 15, 2025, with membership beginning December 1, 2025.
For details or to apply visit our website HERE.
Please contact the HIRN Enhancement Center with questions.
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PanKbase announced an opportunity to support the timely adoption of rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science into the PanKbase platform. Awardees are expected to share all data and AI products generated through the awarded projects via the PanKbase platform and through close collaboration with the PanKbase team. The priority areas of interest will be updated annually. In 2025, two types of applications will be considered:
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Partner Programs: Proposals from programs that are interested in partnering with PanKbase to enhance the interoperability and harmonization between their platforms and PanKbase, by leveraging generative AI, large language models (LLMs), and/or retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).
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Research Teams: Proposals from teams developing foundational models or AI agents of the pancreas with a focus on type 1 diabetes (T1D), as well as AI applications that integrate multimodal data, or enhance the usability, accessibility, or training capabilities of PanKbase.
KEY DATES
Application Due Date: September 2, 2025
Start Date: November 15, 2025
Eligibility: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Foreign applications are not eligible
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The Human Islet Research Network (HIRN) announces new funding initiatives to support the use of existing HIRN datasets and resources to explore unique and innovative hypotheses designed to accelerate breakthroughs and advances in type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. The Human Islet Research Network (HIRN) Data Scholars Award (DSA) Program provides:
- Funding for data-science centered or driven projects submitted via a streamlined process to the HIRN Human Islet Research Enhancement Center (HIREC). Projects will use existing datasets from HIRN and related T1D partner programs and/or resources to design studies or create resources that are responsive to specific initiatives in this announcement.
- Opportunities to collaborate with HIRN investigators and programs and efficiently exchange ideas and resources to accelerate innovation in T1D research.
Depending on the initiative (there are currently two opportunities), awardees will receive either $50,000 or $1,000. Learn more HERE.
KEY DATES
Application Due Date: November 1, 2025
Scientific Review: December 2025
Start Date: February 2026
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RFA-DK-26-009: New Investigator Gateway Awards for Collaborative T1D Research (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
The New Investigator Gateway Award in T1D Research is designed to support a robust pipeline of innovative projects and talented new investigators in T1D research. Embedding awardees within an established scientific framework in each of these consortia will provide unique opportunities for New and Early Stage Investigators to increase their understanding of key questions in the field, to network, and to establish unique and potentially long-lasting collaborations that will propel their careers forward. Bringing New and Early Stage Investigators into existing collaborative research networks also will benefit the networks by infusing new ideas and perspectives. *Foreign applications not allowed.
Application due date:
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Protocol for processing and analyzing multiplexed images improves lymphatic cell identification and spatial architecture in human tissue.
Multiplexed images of human lymphatic tissue are extensively preprocessed before cell phenotyping and spatial analysis. Here, we present KINTSUGI (knowledge integration with new technologies: simplified user-guided image processing), a protocol designed to interactively engage the user in each processing step to ensure quality control. We describe steps for parameter tuning and batch processing of raw image data including illumination correction, stitching, deconvolution, 3D-2D conversion, registration, and autofluorescence subtraction. We then detail procedures for segmentation, feature extraction, phenotyping, and spatial analysis.
Learn more HERE.
| | CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: 2025 RACHMIEL LEVINE-ARTHUR RIGGS DIABETES RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM | | |
Register today to attend the 2025 Rachmiel Levine-Arthur Riggs Diabetes Research Symposium which will be held in Pasadena, California from November 14-17, 2025. Abstract authors are eligible for travel stipends, poster session presentation, and participation in the general program.
For more information, scan the QR code below or learn more HERE.
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PanKbase would like to come to your lab meeting! We are looking for ways to reach out to the larger diabetes community. We want to offer to send a representative from our team to meet with you and your team where we can demonstrate what the PanKbase platform can do for you. We would also love to discuss what your lab is interested in and where you might like to see our platform go in the future to make it work better for you. Reach out to us HERE.
In case you missed it: PanKbase members presented “PanKbase: A Centralized Knowledge Base of the Human Pancreas for Diabetes Research” at this month’s HIRN monthly webinar held August 12th. If you are interested and would like to watch, you can find a recording on the HIRN YouTube channel HERE.
| | Below is a summary of the most recent job postings by category (Faculty, Research Staff/Admin, Postdoc). Visit the HIRN Website for a full listing of job opportunities. | | |
The Leuven Diabetes Lab is seeking an ambitious Principal Investigator with a strong background in immunology or beta-cell biology to join, and ultimately take over, leadership of the lab, currently headed by Prof. Chantal Mathieu and managed by Dr. Conny Gysemans. The lab’s mission is to advance the understanding and treatment of type 1 diabetes through innovative research, spanning beta-cell preservation, immune modulation, and translational approaches.
As part of this position, candidates may be eligible for enhanced ERC funding, recently expanded to support top global researchers relocating to Europe, making this a unique opportunity for outstanding scientists from the US or other countries to establish a high-impact research program in a world-class environment. Join us in shaping the future of type 1 diabetes research and working toward a world without type 1 diabetes. Interested candidates should send a CV and brief description of research interests to Dr. Chantal Mathieu and Dr. Conny Gysemans.
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Assistant or Associate Professor
The University of Florida Diabetes Institute (UFDI), associated with the Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, is seeking applicants for a full-time tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. We are seeking candidates with a strong publication record and history of NIH or foundation grant funding in the area of diabetes research or its complications. Individuals who apply for this position should submit a cover letter, a summary statement outlining the focus and future vision for their research program. The applicant will need to provide at least three letters of recommendation from senior scientists. The letters of reference may be uploaded or sent directly to the Director of the UFDI and search committee chair, Dr. Todd Brusko.
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Research Associate II
The laboratory of Dr. Melanie Shapiro at City of Hope is seeking a Research Associate to investigate the genetics and immunology of type 1 diabetes. Current projects include investigating germline genetic variants predicting response to immunotherapies as well as somatic variants in the pancreas and immune cells of organ donors. A master’s or bachelor’s degree and laboratory experience required. Additional experience in immunology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics preferred, but not required. Interested candidates should send a CV and brief description of research interests to
Dr. Melanie Shapiro.
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Postdoctoral Position
The Austrian Academy of Sciences is offering fellowships to outstanding postdoctoral researchers currently working at U.S. universities or non-university research institutions who are interested in relocating their research to leading institutions in Austria.
A total of 25 fellowships is available for Austrian universities and non-university research institutions recognized for their research excellence. Candidates must be nominated by the host institution in Austria.
With the nomination, the host institution commits to:
- Covering 25% of the fellowship cost (equivalent to EUR 125,000)
- Employing the fellow for the full duration of the fellowship
Interested candidates should send a CV and a brief description of their research interests to Dr. Marjan Slak Rupnik.
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Postdoctoral Position
We are seeking highly motivated, detail-oriented, and collaborative individuals with excellent writing and verbal communication skills to join our research team. Experience in animal physiology, molecular biology, and cell biology are desired. Additional experience in transcriptomics, metabolomics, or bioinformatics are desirable, but not required. A recent PhD in biology or a related field is required. Projects in the laboratory are centered on elucidating the molecular and transcriptional mechanisms involved in the regulation of beta cell proliferation and mitochondrial metabolism, delta cell function, islet paracrine signaling, and stem cell-derived islet generation. Interested applicants please send a cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the names of three references, to: Dr. Richard Cox.
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Postdoctoral Position
The Integrative Immunology and Cell Design Laboratory at Penn Medicine is seeking postdoctoral fellows to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying T cell antigen recognition in autoimmunity, cancer, and infectious diseases. Our research employs high-throughput antigen discovery, single-cell genomics, and synthetic biology to map T cell specificity using platforms such as TScan-I (Cell, 2019), TScan-II (Cell, 2023), and TCR-MAP (Nature Biotechnology, 2024). Successful candidates will join a multidisciplinary team to advance our understanding of T cell-mediated immune surveillance and tolerance while contributing to translational research. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and reference contacts to: Dr. Mohammad Haj-Dezfulian.
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