Events -- Beta Cell Interest Group (BIG)

Intracellular and Intercellular Signaling during Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion

Dave Piston, Ph.D.
Professor, Molecular Physiology & Biophysics

We are interested in understanding the interplay between the single cellular and multicellular mechanisms of islet function. In many ways, the islet appears to be a syncytium, which exhibits synchronous pulsatile insulin secretion across all β-cells in the islet. In other ways, the islet works as individual cells, especially in gene transcription and trafficking of insulin granules. Using quantitative imaging methods, the dynamics of these molecular mechanisms can be followed quantitatively in living cells within intact islets.

About this ongoing activity:

The Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology (VCSCB) sponsors a weekly Beta Cell Interest Group (BIG) meeting for invited Vanderbilt faculty, research assistants and students to discuss topics relating to beta cell biology. BIG meetings are held on Wednesdays from 9:00-10:00 AM in 512 Light Hall.