Cell Biology and Functional Genomics

The Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, based on the 3rd floor of the ICTEM Building, Hammersmith Hospital campus, was established in September 2006 and forms part of the Department’s and College’s strategic thrust for research into the molecular basis of diabetes.

Part of the recently-established Beta Cell Consortium at Imperial, our research covers a number of areas including, but not limited to, beta cell physiology, the impact of Type 2 diabetes genes on insulin secretion, the role of nutrient regulated protein kinases in maintaining beta cell function and identity, and the role of ‘disallowed’ genes in beta cell function.

Research interests

β-cell Physiology
Impact of Type II diabetes genes on insulin secretion
Role of nutrient regulated protein kinases in β-cell development and function
Role of 'disallowed' genes in β-cell function
Ca2+ and Zn2+ signalling in the β-cell
Hypothalamic nutrient sensing
Imaging insulin release by total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF)
Role of receptor trafficking in modulation of signalling and β-cell function

Section leadership

Head of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics

Professor Guy Rutter focuses on signal transduction in the pancreatic beta cell in health and disease, chiefly in using functional genomics at the cellular and whole organism level to dissect the role of genes associated with Type 2 diabetes.

Further information on Professor Rutter