Dan Luciani

In the Luciani Lab we study beta-cell physiology, stress and survival/death. Our current research revolves around two main topics. First, our research aims to shed light on the importance of mitochondria for beta-cell compensation and decompensation in the progression of type 2 diabetes. As part of this, we are investigating non-canonical functions of Bcl-2 family apoptosis proteins in the regulation of beta-cell mitochondrial metabolism, dynamics and turnover. Secondly, we are using knockout mouse models and microscopy to examine if and how disruption of lysosomes and autophagy may contribute to beta-cell failure and loss of insulin secretion in diabetes.