Postdoc Fellowships 2025 - Project 2
Short running title of project: Anti-diabetic drugs and sensor human islet organoids
Project title: In vivo evaluation of anti-diabetic drugs using sensor-engineered human islet organoids transplanted into the anterior chamber of the eye
Summary
This project aims to develop and optimize human islet organoids engineered with fluorescent biosensors to enable monitoring of β-cell function in vivo. The organoids will be transplanted into the anterior chamber of the eye (ACE) of diabetic mice, allowing longitudinal imaging of human islet function under various metabolic conditions. Molecular biology techniques, including PCR, gene cloning, protein quantification, and islet/cell culture, will be used to engineer and validate the sensor human islet organoids. In vivo studies will focus on assessing the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on β-cell function, with particular emphasis on calcium dynamics and glucose responsiveness. The project also integrates advanced data analysis, utilizing skills in multivariate methods, statistical analysis, and bioinformatics tools. This research provides a unique opportunity to apply both laboratory and data science skills to advance the understanding of human islet function and contribute to the development of more effective diabetes therapies.