Modulation and measurement of the pancreatic beta-cell mass
The progressive loss or dysfunction of pancreatic beta cells plays a central role in the development of diabetes. However, reliable methods to monitor beta-cell mass and preserve their function remain limited.
Our research focuses on identifying the physiological mechanisms that regulate beta-cell mass and uncovering strategies to preserve or restore it, with the goal of preventing diabetes onset. A particular emphasis is placed on the discovery of clinically relevant biomarkers that reflect functional beta-cell mass, enabling better monitoring and intervention in at-risk individuals.
RESEARCH AIMS
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Investigate physiological and pathological regulation of beta-cell mass.
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Identify strategies to preserve or enhance beta-cell function.
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Develop biomarkers for functional beta-cell mass to improve clinical monitoring.
CORE EXPERTISE
Clinical research in diabetes and beta-cell biology.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
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Klee P, Allagnat F, Pontes H, Cederroth M, Charollais A, Caille D, et al. Connexins protect mouse pancreatic beta-cells against apoptosis. J Clin Invest. 2011;121(12):4870–9.
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Allagnat F, Klee P, Cardozo AK, Meda P, Haefliger JA. Connexin36 contributes to INS-1E cells survival through modulation of cytokine-induced oxidative stress, ER stress and AMPK activity. Cell Death Differ. 2013;20(12):1742–52.
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Klee P, Lamprianou S, Charollais A, Caille D, Sarro R, Cederroth M, et al. Connexin implication in the control of the murine beta-cell mass. Pediatr Res. 2011;70(2):142–7.
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Klee P, Bosco D, Guérardel A, Somm E, Toulotte A, Maechler P, et al. Activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors decreases apoptosis in human and female murine pancreatic islets. Endocrinology. 2016;157(10):3800–8.
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Klee P, Rimensberger PC, Karam O. Association between lactates, blood glucose, and systemic oxygen delivery in children after cardiopulmonary bypass. Front Pediatr. 2020;8:Article 410.