Valeria R. Salerno Gonzales

• "Role of beta cell over expression of the insulin receptor in regulating islet function"

Directed by: Hyunki Kim, MD, PhD.

Examine the role of the insulin signaling pathway in regulating beta cell biology. Specifically, it addresses the ability of enhancing signaling via the insulin/insulin-like-growth factor 1 signaling pathway to improve secretion and growth from beta cells.

• "Phenocopying Human MODY8 in a Mouse Model to Interrogate Exocrine–Endocrine Cross Talk”

Directed by: Khadija El Jellas, PhD.

Phenotype a unique mouse model that expresses elements of the human MODY8 gene. Experiments focus on examining the dynamic changes in exocrine and endocrine tissues and their interactions during the progression of this rare type of diabetes.

• "Hepatic ALKBH5 Regulation of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism"

Directed by: Kristie Aamodt, M.D., PhD.

Explore the role of m6A eraser protein AlkBH5 in regulating metabolic pathways in the liver. Experiments focus on deciphering if hepatic ALKBH5 is required to maintain normal glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism under physiologic conditions and in response to metabolic stress (western diet) in a KO mouse model.