Research:
Our research is focused on the cellular and molecular events regulating cell function. One project examines the signal transduction pathways involved in insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. In addition to glucose, several hormones and neurotransmitters can stimulate or inhibit insulin secretion. The mechanisms by which many of these molecules signal are not fully understood. The findings from our research could potentially lead to treatments for diabetic patients. Another project examines the signal transduction pathways controlling stem cell growth and differentiation. Stem cells have the potential to differentiate into different cell types and could be used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the cellular and molecular events controlling the differentiation process is not well understood. Other areas of interest are immunology, reproductive physiology and gene therapy.
In order to investigate the cellular and molecular events regulating cell function, we utilize molecular biology, physiological and pharmacological approaches as well as real time fluorescent imaging and electrophysiology. Together, these techniques allow us to investigate the properties of ion channels and calcium mediated events.
Recent
Publications:
Cheng, H., Wolfe, S.H., Valencia, V., Qian, K., Shen, L., Phillips, M.I., Chang, L-J. and Zhang, Y.C. (2007). Efficient and persistent transduction of exocrine and endocrine pancreas by adeno-associated virus type 8. J. Biomed. Sci. 14:585-594.
Cheng, H.*, Beck, A.*, Launay, P., Gross, S., Stokes, A.J., Kinet, J-P., Fleig, A. and Penner, R. (2007). TRPM4 controls insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells. Cell Calcium 41: 51-61.
Takezawa, R., Cheng, H., Beck, A., Ishikawa, J., Launay, P., Kubota, H., Kinet, J-P., Fleig, A., Yamada, T. and Penner, R. (2006). A pyrazole derivative potently inhibits lymphocyte Ca2+ influx and cytokine production by facilitating TRPM4 channel activity. Mol. Phamacol. 69: 1413-1420.
Burkhardt, B.R., Lyle, R., Qian, K., Arnold A-S., Cheng, H., Atkinson, M.A., and Zhang. Y.C. (2006). Efficient Small Interfering RNA Silencing of Cytokine-Induced Fas Expression Inhibits Beta Cell Apoptosis. FEBS Lett 580: 553-560.
Cheng, H.*, Grodnitzky J. A.*, Yibchok-anun, S., Ding, J. and Hsu, W. H. (2005). Somatostatin increases phospholipase D activity and PIP2 synthesis in clonal β-cells HIT-T15. Mol. Phamacol. 67: 2162-2172.
*Equal contributors
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