# Islet Cell Biology Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 2022 · $209,955

## Abstract

SUMMARY
Reduced islet β cell number and function underlie the progression of all forms of diabetes. It is therefore essential
for all laboratories investigating causes and potential cures for diabetes to be able to study islet function in
relation to their specific models and molecules of interest. The objective of the Islet Cell Biology Core (ICBC) is
to provide DRC members with state of the art support including experiment design, islet isolation, and
performance of and/or training in an expansive range of assays for physiological and morphometric assessment
of pancreatic islet function and growth. This will be accomplished through four Aims: Aim 1: To provide islet
isolation service and training: We will continue to offer islet isolation services using rodent animal models.
Depending on the needs of specific investigators, the ICBC provides training for graduate students, postdoctoral
fellows and research staff in pancreatic islet isolation techniques. Aim 2: To provide state of the art assays for
physiological assessment of islet function: We will continue to provide consultation on experimental design and
to offer a broad range of assays of pancreatic islet function, including batch incubation and perifusion, islet and
cell fluorescence imaging (Cai2+), mitochondrial function assays by Seahorse Extracellular Flux Analyzer,
perifusion coupled with respirometry, and closed respirometry. We will continue to provide access and
instruction for quantitative imaging of pancreatic islet mass. The ICBC provides training in perfusion techniques,
in basic principles of respiration and oxidative phosphorylation and measurement of oxygen consumption by
different methods, and in all aspects of islet cell physiology and biochemistry. Aim 3: To pursue procedural and
equipment advances: We will support the studies of collaborators at Penn and CHOP involving human islets
affected by a range of pathophysiological conditions. We will also adapt our technology and expertise to the
analysis of non-islet, metabolically relevant tissues, reflecting the complex, intercommunicating, multi-organ
control required to maintain normal glucose homeostasis. Technological advances will include new equipment
acquisitions and the investigation of cell function, signaling and bioenergetics in α cell enriched pseudoislets.
Aim 4: To continue to offer a unique Electrophysiology Resource: Prompted by the research needs of DRC
investigators and recognizing the preeminent role that ion channels play in physiology and pathology of
pancreatic islet cells, during the previous cycle we established a successful collaboration with our Physiology
Department, widely acknowledged for excellence in cell membrane biophysics, to provide expert consultation
and experimental services in this crucial aspect of pancreatic islet cell biology and disease. In sum, the Islet Cell
Biology Core is well aligned with the overall goals of the DRC, enabling investigators to perform state of the art
basic and...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10407839
- **Project number:** 2P30DK019525-46
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **Principal Investigator:** DORIS A STOFFERS
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $209,955
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1997-03-01 → 2027-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10407839

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10407839, Islet Cell Biology Core (2P30DK019525-46). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-08-17 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10407839. Licensed CC0.

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