Sander Lab

The goal of our research is to understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie the formation and function of pancreatic insulin-producing beta cells, which are affected in diabetes. Our research leverages a human stem cell-based organoid model of pancreatic islets to identify causes of diabetes and develop innovative therapies. 

Employing multi-omic approaches and computational modeling, we study the gene regulatory and metabolic mechanisms that govern beta cell differentiation and maintenance of a functional beta cell state. We validate computational predictions with targeted CRISPR-Cas9-based and small molecule screens in the human organoid model.