Scott Soleimanpour Lab

Our Research

Our lab focuses on the molecular and genetic regulation of the mitochondrial life cycle, with a focus on mitophagy, a pathway to dispose of unhealthy or damaged mitochondria. Our studies also concentrate on novel genetic targets affecting the mitophagy pathway, which are also associated with diabetes in humans, through studies in cellular and mouse genetic model systems, as well as isolated human islets. Our goal is to discover how the dysregulation of mitochondrial respiration and mitophagy leads to diabetes pathogenesis, along with determining strategies to improve mitophagy to prevent or treat diabetes.

Research Areas

  • Genetic causes of pancreatic beta cell failure and its role in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes
  • Role of the mitochondrial life cycle in diabetes and beta cell biology
  • Molecular function of the diabetes susceptibility gene, Clec16a

Support Our Work

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the Soleimanpour Lab and what we do here. Making a gift to our lab will support and further our research work in diabetes and help us work towards new and better treatments for people living with the disease. To make a gift, please contact Andrea LaFave at the University of Michigan Office of Development.