Until recently, little detailed information was known about the factors controlling pancreas development and islet b cell function. However, our understanding has increased greatly with the identification and molecular characterization of insulin’s MafA and PDX-1 transcription factors. Gene knockouts performed on these and other pancreas-enriched factors are helping to elucidate the events influencing pancreatic morphogenesis.  It is likely that new factors necessary for b cell activity will be revealed through studies designed to understand how the expression and activity levels of these regulators are controlled. Because of their unique expression pattern and fundamental significance to b cells, work here is focused on defining the transcription factors involved in controlling both the expression of pdx-1 and mafA.

The Stein Laboratory is examining precisely how these key transcriptional regulators influence b cell development and function.  Both animal and cell culture models are used in these studies, with comprehensive and diverse methods from Cre/loxP conditional gene inactivation to mass spectrometry involved in addressing the lab's experimental questions. Dr. Stein and his lab members believe that success in these endeavors will provide a fundamental understanding of the regulatory factors that are required for controlling the specialized genetic programs associated with b cells.

For more information about Dr. Stein visit his Vanderbilt Faculty Page

NEWEST PUBLICATIONS

MafA regulates expression of genes important to islet b cell function.  2007 Molecular Endocrinology July 17 (Epub ahead of print)

Ptf1a binds to and activates area III, a highly conserved region of the Pdx1 promoter that mediates early pancreas-wide Pdx1 expression.  2007 Molecular and Cellular Biology 27:4093-4104

PREVIOUS PUBLICATIONS (please scroll to the bottom of Dr. Stein's Vanderbilt Faculty Page)