Joachim Størling

Senior researcher, Team leader, MSc, PhD,
Type 1 Diabetes Biology


Phone: +45 30 91 33 99

Research area

My research covers translational and basic research in the field of type 1 diabetes (T1D) pathogenesis. My prime objective is to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in immune-mediated beta cell failure leading to T1D. By understanding the genes, proteins, and factors affecting T1D risk at the beta cell level, the long-term perspective is to circumvent beta cell destruction in individuals at risk for T1D.

Testing of type 1 diabetes (T1D) candidate genes
The function of genes associated with T1D is evaluated by loss and gain of function studies in pancreatic beta cells and immune cells.

Pro- and anti-inflammatory signal transduction
The molecular mechanisms underlying pro- and anti-inflammatory/apoptotic mediators are investigated in beta cells.

Non-coding RNAs in T1D
The role and function of non-coding RNAs including microRNAs are tested in beta cells and immune cells by loss and gain of function studies.

Currrent research

1. SKAP2 in type 1 diabetes
Aim: To examine if the gene SKAP2 modulates beta cell vulnerability to apoptotic cell death and to investigate if SKAP2 affects residual beta cell function in recent-onset T1D patients.
Collaborators: DL. Eizirik, AK Cardozo, B. Holst, HB Mortensen.

2. Osteocalcin and beta cells
Aim: To clarify the potential beneficial effects of the bone hormone osteocalcin on beta cell function.
Collaborators: J. Johannesen, JOB. Madsen.

3. The regulatory roles of breastmilk microRNAs in immune and beta cell functions
Aim: To establish if breastmilk microRNAs modulate immune cell activation and/or beta cell function.
Collaborators: AH. Mirza, HB. Mortensen.

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