November/December 2025 NEWSLETTER

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH

β-Cell Neogenesis From the Pancreatic Ductal Epithelium Revealed Dynamically by Long-term Intravital Imaging

Scientists at the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) at the University of Miami have developed a groundbreaking model that, for the first time, allows the direct visualization of β-cell neogenesis in a living pancreas. In their study, titled “β-Cell Neogenesis From the Pancreatic Ductal Epithelium Revealed Dynamically by Long-term Intravital Imaging” (Watts, Altilio, Alcázar, Álvarez-Cubela, Berggren, Abdulreda, Pastori, and Domínguez-Bendala; Diabetes, 2025; DOI: 10.2337/db25-0457), the researchers show that new insulin-producing cells can emerge dynamically from the ductal epithelium — a process long debated in the field of diabetes and regenerative biology.

Led by Drs. Juan Domínguez-Bendala, Ricardo L. Pastori, and Midhat H. Abdulreda, the team engineered a novel slice-in-ACE (anterior chamber of the eye) model that enables long-term intravital imaging of live pancreatic tissue. By transplanting thin pancreatic slices from transgenic Ins2Cre/mTmG mice into the eye of recipient animals, the investigators were able to continuously monitor islet growth and regeneration with cellular resolution for over three months. Remarkably, they observed the spontaneous appearance of insulin-expressing cells within the ductal network, confirming active β-cell neogenesis in vivo — a finding that had previously been inferred only from static or indirect evidence.

Complementary experiments using human pancreatic slices transplanted into immunodeficient mice revealed similar patterns of ductal remodeling and insulin expression, suggesting that this regenerative mechanism is conserved across species. The study bridges the gap between historical lineage-tracing data and modern real-time visualization, showing that pancreatic ducts harbor cells capable of forming new islets under physiological stress conditions.

Beyond settling a long-standing scientific controversy, the new slice-in-ACE platform opens unprecedented opportunities to study the dynamics of islet regeneration, tissue remodeling, and therapeutic interventions over time — all within a functional, vascularized, and accessible in vivo system.

Manuscript Information: β-Cell Neogenesis From the Pancreatic Ductal Epithelium Revealed Dynamically by Long-term Intravital Imaging.

Watts, B., Altilio, I., Alcázar, Ó., Álvarez-Cubela, S., Berggren, P.-O., Abdulreda, M.H., Pastori, R.L., and Domínguez-Bendala, J. Diabetes, 2025. PMID: 40932308

PANKBASE ANNOUNCEMENT

Members from PanKbase and HPAP teams presented at a bootcamp focused on mining Pankbase and Panc-DB data sets as part of the Sugar Science D–Challenge. The D-Challenge is a community research challenge designed to increase awareness and use of the rich ecosystem of on-line tools and data findable through dkNET. Multiple teams registered for the challenge with the goal to develop a compelling hypothesis about the biology, treatment, or sequelae of Type 1 Diabetes. 


This bootcamp was recorded and can be viewed HERE. 

PUBLICATION OF INTEREST

A chemical epigenetic tool to probe site-specific DNA-binding protein complexes

The Site-specific noncanonical amino acid-mediated capture of protein (SCOPE) system can capture proteins binding to regions of genome that control gene expression. The illustration depicts part of the process where a small guide RNA delivers the catalyze deficient Cas9 bearing a special unnatural amino acid to the designed region. Exposure temporally to UV light then induces a crosslink reaction that captures nearby proteins.

The site-specific binding of proteins to the genome regulates gene transcription and governs cell fate decisions. Both computational and experimental approaches have been developed to identify DNA regions bound by specific transcription factors (TFs) or other regulatory proteins. However, few tools are available to identify entire protein complexes associated with specific genomic sequences or regions. In a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers developed a molecular tool that can be targeted to, in theory, any locus on the genome to capture any protein nearby. The team demonstrated the power of this approach by using it to uncover novel protein regulators in human pluripotent stem cells and their differentiated derivatives.

Extensive efforts have been invested to systematically explore chromatin changes during human pancreatic development and during type 1 diabetes progression. By applying this newly developed tool, we could potentially identify the upstream protein complexes that bind and regulate key chromatin regions driving these cell fate transitions. This would enable precise mapping of the dynamic regulatory networks involved in type 1 diabetes progression.

Manuscript Information: A chemical epigenetic tool to probe site-specific DNA-binding protein complexes. Zhu, J., Li, Z., Xue, D., Meng, Z., Shao, S., Pulecio, J., Zhang, G., Huangfu, D., Evans, T., Chen, S., Schultz, PG. PNAS, October 2, 2025. PMID: 41037631

HIRN INVESTIGATORS RECEIVE NIH AWARD FOR

AI SYSTEMS IN TYPE 1 DIABETES

HIRN-PanKbase investigators Drs. Jie Liu and Stephen Parker at the University of Michigan, Dr. Marcela Brissova at Vanderbilt University, and Dr. Shuibing Chen at Cornell University received a new award of $1,983,847 from the Office of Data Science Strategy (ODSS) of the NIH, titled “Co-designing Ethical Multimodal AI Systems for Mapping T1D Progression” (OT2OD038003). The amount is for one year of support, with the project renewable for a second year. This award is an interdisciplinary collaborative effort of investigators from several NIDDK funded consortia programs.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Glucagon Physiology

for the 21st Century



Workshop hosted by NIDDK

February 9-10, 2026

The Lister Hill Conference Center (Building 38A), NIH, Bethesda, MD

Scientific Sessions:

• Alpha-Cell Physiology
• Glucagon Signaling
• Pharmacology of Glucagon
• Effects of Glucagon on Systemic Metabolism
• Glucagon in Diabetes
• Extrahepatic Physiology of Glucagon

Registration Deadline: February 1, 2026 (Seating limited to 170)

For more information and to register, please click HERE.

Maximize Your Keystone Symposia Experience: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Pre-Conference Workshop



This interactive, hands-on session prepares participants to:

• Network confidently and build professional relationships at scientific meetings
• Craft and share their research stories with clarity and impact
• Engage effectively with peers, funders, publishers, and potential collaborators
• Late arrivals due to travel are welcome, and registration is available as an add-on during conference signup.

Details:

• Monday, March 16, 2026, from 12:00 – 3:00 pm Mountain Time
• Fee: $85 (includes box lunch and shuttle to the conference venue)

Learn more HERE.

The Immunology of Diabetes Society (IDS) Congress brings together international health care professionals, consumers and research leaders in T1D

The 21st Immunology of Diabetes Society (IDS) Congress, will be held in Brisbane, Australia in 2026! The IDS Congress is the premiere meeting for the international community of researchers, clinicians and industry representatives studying the pathogenesis and treatment of type 1 diabetes. Every 18 months, members of IDS convene to share the latest in cutting edge research, debate big questions in the field, and catch up with old and new colleagues. The Brisbane conference is sure to be another memorable IDS meeting, and we look forward to your participation.

Abstract Submission Closes: January 16, 2026

Early Bird Registration Deadline: March 9, 2026

Meeting Dates: April 20 - 24, 2026

Learn more HERE

NIH FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

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 HIRN 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 novel ideas and perspectives. (Foreign applications not allowed).

Application due date:

• March 6, 2026

RFA-DK-26-306: Engineering Improved Stem Cell-Derived Islet Cells for Replacement Therapies (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

This funding opportunity is designed to support research in understanding how to engineer intrinsic characteristics of stem cell-derived islet cell products that can result in improved cell replacement therapy outcomes. Unlike cadaveric human islets, stem cell-derived islet cell products are generated from well-defined and highly controlled cell bank sources. Their banking, manufacturing, and quality control processes can be used to instill optimized cell characteristics resulting in more resilient and durable graft viability and function. This funding opportunity aims to stimulate studies on targets and pathways amenable to such engineering approaches and to encourage preclinical testing and validation of such strategies. This NOFO is associated with the Special Diabetes Program which funds research on the prevention, treatment, and cure of type 1 diabetes and its complications, including unique, innovative, and collaborative research consortia and clinical trials networks. (Foreign applications not allowed).

Application due date:

• March 7, 2026

OTHER FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Complement-ARIE Reduction to Practice Prize Competition



The NIH Common Fund has launched the Reduction to Practice Challenge, a prize competition that invites innovative New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) solutions from teams who can successfully demonstrate implementation of integrated human-based solutions in a practical and usable form within a three-year period. This is a three-phase challenge:

• Phase 1: Proof of Concept and Feasibility Studies

• Phase 2: Prototype Development and Milestone Achievements

• Phase 3: Prototype Delivery for Validation and Qualification

The total cash prize purse for this competition is $7,000,000 to be shared among the winners

Submit your ideas by: March 1st, 2026

To accept the challenge visit here,

Join the Complement-ARIE listserv,

If you have questions, visit 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.

LEADERSHIP/FACULTY

Assistant or Associate Professor

Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) in Seattle, WA seeks to recruit several outstanding investigators for new faculty positions at the Assistant or Associate Member level, equivalent to Assistant or Associate Professor. We seek candidates who use innovative experimental and/or computational approaches to study immune system function in health and disease, with a particular emphasis on autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases. Qualified candidates should send an application package comprising a single pdf document including their curriculum vitae, a summary describing their research plan and goals, a cover letter describing how their research fits with the focus of BRI, and the names and contact information for at least 3 references here.

Professor or Assistant Professor

A position as senior researcher combined with a professorship in molecular mechanisms of type 1 diabetes at the Bartholin Institute, Department of Pathology, Centre for Diagnostics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital. The position is combined with a position as professor or associate professor with special focus on translational type 1 diabetes research at the Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Interested applicants should submit a CV, a list of publications, and a research plan outlining how they envision contributing to the Bartholin Institute. Please send all materials to Anders Lund.

Scientist Position

The You/Mallone/Scharfmann joint Laboratory is opening a position for an early/intermediate career scientist wishing to establish an independent research group. The joint Laboratory is looking for an early/intermediate-career investigator with an attractive scientific track record and a project interfacing with the of their joint Laboratory, i.e. immune-endocrine pancreas cross-talks in diabetes. The newly recruited Research Group Leader will benefit from the support of the joint Laboratory and their research infrastructure, appropriate laboratory space and an initial startup package. She/he is expected to compete for national and international research funding and yearly calls for permanent research positions. Applicants should send a CV with publication list and a short 1-2-page description of the research project to Dr. Roberto Mallone.

RESEARCH STAFF/ADMIN

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. 

Postdoctoral Position

Drs. Amish Asthana and Giuseppe Orlando are recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow to join a highly collaborative, translational research team at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, focusing on 3D bioprinting and tissue-engineered pancreatic organoids. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in cell culture, biomaterials, and 3D tissue fabrication, with experience in islet biology, organoid development, or rodent diabetes transplantation models considered a plus. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to translational research aimed at improving vascularization and engraftment of biofabricated tissues. WFIRM offers access to world-class facilities and a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment. Start date is December 15, 2025. To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to Dr. Amish Asthana and Dr. Giuseppe Orlando.

Postdoctoral Position

The Kaestner lab is looking to fill two fully-funded postdoctoral positions for research projects related to the Human Pancreas Analysis Program (HPAP), which investigates the pathogenesis of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Preferred applicants will have: Strong research and

development (R&D) skills, experience with laboratory skills and conducting in vivo experiments, expertise in islet biology and molecular genetics, Ph.D. in biology, or a related field, 0-3 years of experience in postdoctoral research. Please send a cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the names of three references, to: Dr. Klaus Kaestner.

Postdoctoral Position

Dr. Maike Sander at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in Berlin is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) to join the group of Professors. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a deeper understanding of how transcription factors shape beta-cell maturation by applying state-of-the-art multi-omic approaches in an international, vibrant, and collaborative research environment. The Sander lab combines single-cell genomics, human stem cell models, and bioengineering approaches to investigate transcriptional and cell–cell signaling mechanisms underlying type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Please send a cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the names of three references, to: Dr. Maike Sander.

Postdoctoral Position

The Dr. Jeffrey Millman laboratory at Washington University School of Medicine is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the team. This researcher will lead an exciting new project focused on vascularized stem cell-derived islets for diabetes disease modeling and cell replacement therapy. Qualified candidates are encouraged to email Dr. Millman with their CV and cover letter.

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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