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June/July 2021
NEWSLETTER
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ANNUAL MEETING: SAVE THE DATE
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The HIRN 2021 Annual Investigator Meeting will be held virtually
Tuesday, September 21 – Thursday, September 23, 2021
from 12:00 – 5:00 pm Eastern.
Abstract Deadline: Thursday, July 15, 2021 (5:00 pm Eastern)
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JULY WEBINAR “SAVE THE DATE” |
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The next HIRN Webinar “Bridging the Gap: Pancreas Tissue Slides From Organ and Tissue Donors for the Study of Diabetes Pathogenesis” will be on Thursday July 22nd at 1:00 pm Pacific/10:00 am Eastern. The webinar will be co-led by Drs. Stephen Speier (Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden) and Alejandro Caicedo (University of Miami). Invitation with zoom information will be sent in upcoming correspondence.
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Among HIRN’s latest achievements is a Nature paper produced by the labs of Kyle Gaulton (HPAC) and Maike Sander (HPAC), which combines a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and single cell epigenomic maps to interpret the function of genetic variants influencing T1D risk.
In the GWAS they identified 136 signals associated with T1D risk, including several rare variants with large effects on T1D, many of which had not been previously described. At each signal they then fine-mapped specific variants likely causal for T1D risk. As the majority of T1D signals are non-coding and likely affect gene regulation, they next annotated variants at T1D signals with cell type-specific gene regulation. Using single-nucleus ATAC-sequencing (snATAC-seq) of peripheral blood and pancreas, they derived chromatin accessibility profiles for 28 cell types and defined candidate cis-regulatory elements (cCREs) in each cell type. The single-cell epigenomics data was integrated with single-cell RNA-seq data to correlate cCRE activity with gene expression in each cell type.
T1D-associated variants were most enriched in T cell-specific cCREs, although there was also enrichment in cCREs specific to pancreatic exocrine (acinar and ductal) cells. Multiple T1D risk signals mapped in exocrine-specific cCREs and were linked to genes with highly exocrine-specific expression profiles. At one of these loci T1D risk variants mapped in a pancreatic ductal cell-specific cCRE near the CFTR gene, and further experiments validated that risk variants affected regulatory activity and CFTR expression in ductal cells. Risk variants at CFTR and at other exocrine-specific signals were also associated with pancreatitis, suggesting a broader relationship between T1D and pancreatic disease.
For those who find this result especially compelling, we note that other HIRN investigators have projects underway to study the exocrine compartment in T1D, and therefore we expect further exciting developments in this area.
Resource links:
T1D Knowledge Portal: t1d.hugeamp.org
Diabetes Epigenome Atlas: diabetesepigenome.org
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HUMAN PANCREAS IMAGES ONLINE |
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Through a new partnership between the Integrated Islet Distribution Program (IIDP) and PancreatlasTM, images of human pancreas samples are online publicly for everyone. Additionally, certain islet preparations in the IIDP Human Islet Phenotyping Program (HIPP) database will be viewable in Pancreatlas highlighting “bi-directional” integration, full-resolution images. Images can be viewed directly on the Pancreatlas website or via the
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18th IMMUNOLOGY OF DIABETES SOCIETY MEETING |
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The Immunology of Diabetes Society (IDS) is dedicated to improving our understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of type 1 diabetes. The 18th IDS Congress will be held in-person in Nashville, TN, USA, on October 29th – November 1st, 2021.
For more information and registration visit HERE.
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THE SUGAR SCIENCE SEMINAR SERIES
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the(sugar)science with Drs. Douglas Melton (Harvard) and Mark Atkinson (Univ. Florida) have assembled a new scientific series "State of the Science". It is an interactive conversation between global thought leaders in the field of type 1 diabetes, early career researchers, and clinicians. The dialogue will promote fresh debate about the state of T1D science. Learn more HERE.
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Diabetes Research Centers Virtual Seminar Series
To address the disruption in seminars & scientific interactions at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, nine NIDDK-sponsored Diabetes Research Centers (DRCs) and three Centers for Diabetes Translational Research (CDTRs) established a weekly Virtual Seminar series. The series has been well-received and will continue. Anyone can register for the seminars, which are free and open to the public (registration required).
Dr. Carmella Evans-Molina from Indiana University, Dr. Peter Jackson from Stanford University and Dr. Shuibing Chen from Weill Cornell University will be presenting on July 7, 2021 at 1:00 pm CT. “Hot topics: in vitro modeling of molecular interactions between SARS-CoV2 and diabetes.”
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RFA-DK-21-006: Development of New Technologies and Bioengineering Solutions for the Advancement of Cell Replacement Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
- Application due date: October 20, 2021
RFA-DK-21-016: Characterization of Islet-derived Extracellular Vesicles for Improved Detection, Monitoring, Classification, and Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
- Application due date: November 3, 2021
PAR-20-140: Catalytic Tool and Technology Development in Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
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Application due date: Standard dates apply
- Foreign applications are allowed
F31 PAR-19-378: Bioinformatics Interdisciplinary Predoctoral Fellowship in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases
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Application due date: Standard dates apply
- Foreign applications allowed
F32 PAR-19-379: Bioinformatics Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Fellowship in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases
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Application due date: Standard dates apply
- Foreign applications allowed
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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 for job opportunities.
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Director
The American Diabetes Association is seeking a Vice President of Research & Science to join our Science & Health Care Team. Reporting to the Chief Science and Medical Officer, the Vice President will be responsible for management of the ADA’s research portfolio and the execution of the annual ADA Scientific Sessions. This leader will be expected to have diabetes content mastery and research experience. It is required that this individual possess a strong science background, have grant experience, meeting management skills, strong knowledge of budget management and fiscal responsibility, possess strong organization skills, and have an innovative mindset. This leader will need to proactively identify content area needs and budgetary matters and communicate them effectively with the Chief Medical & Science Officer or the VP of Operations. Please visit the site HERE.
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Director
JDRF has a Director position that requires the skills, vision, and desire to explore and implement novel approaches that will accelerate research and development leading to curative and preventive therapies for T1D. The successful candidate can look forward to interesting and challenging work by building strong relationships with fellow staff and a network of volunteers that will have a meaningful impact on the lives of everyone affected by T1D. The ideal applicant will have a strong background in immunology, pharmacology, cell biology or endocrinology in the context of diabetes, autoimmune or metabolic diseases, and have demonstrated capabilities in translating discoveries into therapeutic concepts or products. Please visit the site HERE.
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Program Director for Integrative Physiology of Human Diabetes
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases is hiring a Program Director for Integrative Physiology of Human Diabetes. A scientist with strong managerial, communications and interpersonal skills, and experience in integrative physiology relevant to diabetes, is sought for the position of Program Director for Integrative Physiology in the Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases (DDEMD) in the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), at the National Institutes of Health. Research to be managed by the Director of DDEMD’s Integrative Physiology program is supported through multiple mechanisms, including regular research grants and cooperative agreements. Activities to be pursued include planning, establishing, and overseeing a wide range of goal-directed initiatives to expedite and enhance translational, pre-clinical and clinical research in diabetes. Apply HERE.
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Program Director for Diabetes Behavioral Science
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is seeking a clinical behavioral scientist to serve as Program Director for Diabetes Behavioral Science. The Program Director will play an active role in stimulating new research and managing ongoing grant portfolios focused on understanding the interaction between behavioral, psychological, and biological factors to inform development of more effective and targeted interventions to prevent and treat diabetes.
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Program Director for Health Equity in Diabetes
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Program Officials
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases is hiring program officials with expertise in translational research in any of the following four topic areas as they specifically relate to key questions in diabetes, endocrine or metabolic diseases:
· Integrative physiology of human diabetes, including physiology of counter-regulatory responses to hypoglycemia, mechanisms involved in regulation of peripheral metabolism, autonomic nervous system regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, and basic and clinical studies investigating effects of bariatric surgery on diabetes and diabetes-related outcomes;
· Neuroscience of human behavior and behavior change, including brain and peripheral systems that impact the onset, severity or resolution of diabetes or obesity pathophysiology;
· Immune regulation and inflammation, including innate and adaptive immune mechanisms influencing peripheral insulin resistance in animal models and humans;
· Precision medicine in diabetes and obesity.
The mission of the Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases is to support broad-based research programs focused on both basic and clinical research in the areas of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Apply Here
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Research Scientist
The University of Chicago beta cell/diabetes research group under the direction of Dr. Raghu Mirmira has funded openings for several postdoctoral research scientists with interest in applying/learning cell biological techniques (immunoprecipitation, immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging), mouse genetic skills, human islet biology, and immunology and inflammation research. NIH-funded research projects in the Mirmira laboratory include the study of beta cell development and function, human islet gene regulation and mRNA translation, and islet cytokine signaling in the context of type 1 diabetes. Please send your CV, cover letter, and contact information with 3 references to Dr. Mirmira.
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dkNET Community Liaison
The NIDDK Information Network has an open position for a Community Liaison to provide community outreach and lead engagement with the scientific community. This position will support a range of activities linked to community-dkNET partnerships, researcher engagement and knowledge networking. The position will entail engaging with research scientists, students and trainees, government, industry and broader audiences through workshops, in-person outreach events, multimedia, social media and Web-based systems. dkNET was launched by the FAIR Data Informatics Laboratory at the University of California, San Diego to serve the needs of basic and clinical investigators in diabetes, digestive and kidney disease by addressing the challenge of connecting researchers to research resources, assisting researchers with rigor and reproducibility guidelines, supporting researchers in navigating new data sharing requirements, and providing tools in enabling data discovery and hypothesis generation. More information click HERE.
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Postdoctoral Position
Two Post-Doctoral Fellowship positions in the Kulkarni Lab at Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School. The two positions are available immediately for a period of 3 years each. For the first position, applications are invited from qualified individuals with a PhD or MD or MD PhD degrees and interested in working in exciting projects focused on defining pathways and identifying mechanisms that regulate pancreatic (endocrine and exocrine) biology and interrogating inter-organ cross talk in the overall maintenance of glucose homeostasis using induced pluripotent stem cells and animal models. Topics include insulin/IGF-1 signaling, mRNA modifications and stem cell biology. Candidates should have a strong background in molecular biology, cell biology (stem cells) and biochemistry. It is strongly preferable to have prior experience in bioinformatics and the ability to interrogate “omics” and sequencing datasets. Candidates should possess skills in handling human islets and undertake in vivo animal studies. It would be an advantage to be able to undertake rodent islet isolation, and perform immunostaining. For the second position candidates with expertise in Bioinformatics will be especially relevant. Prospective candidates should have expertise in handling large ‘omics’ databases and be willing to work closely with other Fellows in the lab to assist in analyses of biological data from multiple projects. Candidates will also be encouraged to develop their own research interests. Applicants for both positions should provide a brief statement of research interests, CV, and the names of three references to
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Postdoctoral Position
The Translational Immunology Columbia Center for Translational Immunology and the Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy Program, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY has a Postdoctoral Research Opportunity in the lab of Dr. Megan Sykes. They are inviting highly motivated, creative and experienced individuals with a strong interest in innovative immunology research in transplantation tolerance and autoimmune disease with significant translational potential. Human immune systems from patients and other hematopoietic cell sources will be developed and analyzed in human immune system mouse models. These projects evolve from more than 25 years of experience in these models and benefit from a strong infrastructure and expertise within the laboratory. A strong background in immunology and technical experience are required. Must have a PhD and/or MD degree. Applicants should submit a CV, brief description of accomplishments and goals, and contact information of 3 references HERE.
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Postdoctoral Position
The Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute at City of Hope is looking for a talented postdoctoral fellow. The collaborative laboratories of Drs. John Kaddis and Bart Roep are jointly seeking innovative postdoctoral candidates to conduct in-silico translational research in the field of type 1 diabetes (T1D). This individual will participate in one or more projects that examine the role of molecular, cellular, genetic, and epidemiological variation in T1D. This candidate will have an opportunity to work with specialists in the fields of immunology, diabetes, and data/computer science. Expertize in statistical methods for disease risk prediction and modeling, as well as clinical data, genome sequence, SNP array, “-omics”, and large-scale genetic association analysis is helpful. Experience with public databases/repositories is highly desired. Necessary skills include those from bioinformatics, computer/data science, mathematics, software engineering, and computational biology. Please send your CV, cover letter, and contact information with 3 references to Dr.Kaddis.
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Postdoctoral Position
The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) Diabetes Center has a postdoctoral position available. We are looking for highly motivated researcher to join the IBRI in the lab of Dr. Decio Eizirik. This lab aims to clarify the mechanisms of pancreatic beta cell dysfunction and death in type 1 diabetes mellitus, with focus on endoplasmic reticulum stress, alternative splicing and other mechanisms that may contribute to beta cell death and generation of neoantigens. The selected candidate will participate in a team working with primary human and iPSC-derived islets, animal models of diabetes and human beta cell lines, and advanced molecular biology techniques. Interested applicants should send a letter/statement of interests, CV, and contact information for 2-3 references to Dr. Eizirik.
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Postdoctoral Position
A postdoctoral position is available in the group of Dr. Remi Creusot at the Columbia Center for Translational Immunology (CCTI), to participate in research investigating the pathophysiology and therapy of autoimmune diabetes. The research will focus primarily on two NIH-funded projects: one studying the development and function of autoreactive T cells in humanized mouse models and a collaborative project on engineered stromal cells to reestablish immune tolerance. Applicants should send a full CV, a one-page cover letter highlighting research interests and goals, and the name and contact details of 3 references directly to Dr. Creusot.
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Postdoctoral Position
A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Douglas Melton at Harvard University. We seek a creative and highly collaborative PhD scientist with computational skills in single cell RNA-seq and/or ATAC-seq analysis (Trajectory inference, Multimodal analysis, Noise modeling, Entropy analysis). Research projects in the Melton laboratory include the study of human pancreatic islet development and dysfunction in the context of type 1 diabetes, using pluripotent stem cell-derived islets as a human model system. Interested applicants are encouraged to send their CV and names of 3 references to Dr.Pop.
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Postdoctoral Position
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Fellow at the intersection of Regulatory Genomics and Statistical Genetics in the laboratory of Dr. Steve Parker in the Departments of Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics and Human Genetics at the University of Michigan Medical School. The major goal of the lab is to generate mechanistic knowledge about how disease susceptibility is encoded in the non-coding portion of the genome (from GWAS), with a focus on diabetes and related traits. For more information, please visit the Parker laboratory website.
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Postdoctoral Position
The Wagner lab at the Broad Institute is looking for an energetic researcher interested in studying the role of ubiquitination in beta-cell apoptosis. We use techniques in basic biology, chemical biology, high-throughput screening, and many other areas. It’s a great opportunity to learn about cutting-edge technologies while studying an exciting emerging area in beta-cell biology. Candidates should have a strong record of productivity and publication in islet biology or chemical biology. Interested applicants should send a letter, CV, and contact information for 2-4 references to Dr. Wagner.
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Postdoctoral Position
The Montreal Diabetes Research Center at the University of Montreal, has two Postdoctoral positions available at the Rutter laboratory. The laboratory studies pancreatic beta cell biology and its perturbations in type 2 diabetes (Rutter et alDiabetologia, 63(10):1990-1998. doi: 10.1007/s00125-020-05205-5, 2020). The objectives of the two projects are to explore the role and regulation of interactions between beta cells within the pancreatic islet using live cell imaging and optogenetics (Project 1), and to understand how genomic variants associated with type 2 diabetes impact pancreatic beta cell function (Project 2). The successful applicants will hold a PhD or equivalent. Experience in islet biology and/or glucose homeostasis, calcium signaling and image analysis (Project 1) or CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, culture of human-derived beta cells or directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells towards a beta cell fate would be advantageous. Candidates with experience in data analysis using R, MATLAB etc. are particularly welcome to apply. Please send a cover letter and curriculum vitae, including three references, to Dr. Rutter.
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Postdoctoral Position
A postdoctoral position is available in the Lab of Dr. Sangeeta Dhawan at the Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, in Los Angeles county, CA to study pancreatic beta cell development and maturation. The candidate should have a PhD in molecular, cell, or developmental biology. Experience in genetic mouse models, islet biology, physiology, molecular biology, high throughput sequencing is desirable. The candidate should send a cover letter/statement of research interests, CV, and contact information for three references directly to Dr. Dhawan.
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Postdoctoral Position
The University of California, San Francisco are looking for recent PhD to pursue a career in science and biotechnology around modulation of immune cells to recognize and eliminate senescent cells. Senescent cells accumulate in many age related disease and in autoimmunity by evading immune surveillance. We are developing methods to tune the immune response to selectively eliminate senescent cells in a number of diseases associated with aging. People trained in my lab pursue careers in academia, biotech, venture funds or consultants for large firms. Some lab members take key technologies from the lab to begin start up companies. Please send cover letter and CV/resume to Dr.Bhushan.
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Postdoctoral Position
The University of Florida under the Stabler laboratory is seeking a creative and dedicated postdoctoral associate to join their team in working on translational research in Type 1 diabetes. The research goals for this position are in the translation of our bioactive scaffolds and coatings into preclinical models for validation and optimization. As a highly collaborative laboratory, the Associate will integrate as a part of our team, working together with members of the laboratory, as well as our extensive researcher network. The Associate will be expected to take a leadership role in the laboratory, directing research goals and timelines, mentoring students, and writing reports and publications. Interested candidates should submit a CV, a summary of future research interests and goals, and three references to Dr. Stabler.
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Postdoctoral Position
A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the Hughes Lab at the Washington University School of Medicine to study primary cilia in islet cells. The laboratory combines standard molecular and cell biology with advanced imaging techniques to explore novel roles of cilia in mouse and human islets. We have generated new cilia knockout mouse models with strong diabetic phenotypes and are looking for someone to lead the investigation of cilia-mediated signaling mechanisms in islet hormone secretion. For human studies, we have a funded project to image primary cilia in T1D pancreas which will generate important and clinically relevant findings in autoimmune diabetes. Interested candidates please email Dr. Jing Hughes. Please send your CV, cover letter, and contact information with 3 references to Dr. Hughes.
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Postdoctoral Position
The Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon, is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic post-doctoral fellow to study adeno-associated virus (AAV) and its application for human gene therapy in the lab led by Professor Hiroyuki Nakai, M.D., Ph.D. Specifically, the lab is looking for a post-doctoral researcher who can lead productively a newly funded multi-PI (MPI) NIH project ” U01DK123608 (MPIs: Nakai, Grompe and Kay): Gene Therapy for Diabetes, ” where we seek to develop clinically relevant novel AAV vectors and methods for in vivo regeneration of insulin-secreting beta cells in rhesus macaques and profoundly understand the mechanisms behind the technologies. The successful candidate will also contribute to the training of graduate, undergraduate, and high school students, as well as research staff. Please send a cover letter and C.V. to
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Research Associate II
The Arrojo e Drigo laboratory at Vanderbilt University, has a research assistant II position open. This position requires knowledge of laboratory procedures, record keeping, validated experience in animal handling and anatomy, animal colony management, and standard molecular biology procedures. The research assistant II will support ongoing experiments in animal procedures, molecular biology, cell culture and microscopy. Motivated individuals will have their own projects and perform animal-related research. Additional responsibilities will include maintenance of and management of transgenic animal colonies and genotyping. Please send your CV, cover letter, and contact information with 3 references to
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