Tessem Laboratory - Diabetes Research Group

The Tessem lab’s research is focused on understanding and manipulating the molecular mechanisms that govern pancreatic β‑cell mass and function—with the aim of developing novel diabetes therapies. They investigate key transcription factors and nuclear receptors (notably Nkx6.1, Nr4a1, Nr4a3, c‑Fos), kinases (including Cdk5r1, Aurora Kinase A), and other regulators to promote β‑cell proliferation, enhance insulin secretion, and prevent β‑cell death. Their work spans from mechanistic in vitro studies and genetically modified mice to interventions such as flavonoid‑derived metabolites and CEBPA overexpression, which show promise in increasing functional β‑cell mass and protecting against oxidative stress. Overall, the Tessem lab integrates molecular biology, metabolism, and translational approaches to identify pathways that could enable β‑cell expansion—either for in vitro islet generation or in vivo regeneration—as potential treatments for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.