Diabetes & Islet Biology
The Diabetes and Islet Biology Group is based in the Ainsworth Building (Building 30) within the School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, and researches areas in diabetes & islet biology using human cell systems, clinical research samples as well as animal models of diabetes. This research group was initiated by Professor Anand Hardikar, and benefits from close collaborations with its core team members who lead/co-lead different research streams in Regulatory microRNAs and Gut health (Mugdha Joglekar, PhD) and lncRNAs and data analytics (Wilson Wong, PhD).
The overall research focus is on ncRNA biomarkers of diabetes progression, epigenetic regulation of gene expression, and the molecular dis-/similarity amongst naturally occurring insulin-producing cells. One major interest is in the validation of insulin cfDNA and a microRNA signature, identified by our group, in progression to Type 1 diabetes. This involves the analysis of over 2000 samples from ethnically diverse individuals without, with, or at risk of Type 1 diabetes.
We also work with cadaveric human pancreatic islets, biliary duct, gallbladder as well as brain-derived human cells to gather the information that would help us understand the regulation of insulin gene expression. Our previous studies using next-generation sequencing of developing human pancreas using the SOLiD platform have provided insight to understanding the role of ncRNAs (specifically microRNAs) in the development and differentiation of insulin-producing cells. Present research projects involve applying this information to the differentiation of human pancreatic progenitor cells. In addition to these studies, other projects in the lab are focused on understanding the epigenetic modifications in insulin-producing cells in a unique model of multigeneration undernutrition. These studies involve understanding the influence of diet, micronutrients, intrauterine programming, and gut microbiota in the development of central adiposity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
We also work with cadaveric human pancreatic islets, biliary duct, gallbladder as well as brain-derived human cells to gather the information that would help us understand the regulation of insulin gene expression. Our previous studies using next-generation sequencing of developing human pancreas using the SOLiD platform have provided insight to understanding the role of ncRNAs (specifically microRNAs) in the development and differentiation of insulin-producing cells. Present research projects involve applying this information to the differentiation of human pancreatic progenitor cells. In addition to these studies, other projects in the lab are focused on understanding the epigenetic modifications in insulin-producing cells in a unique model of multigeneration undernutrition. These studies involve understanding the influence of diet, micronutrients, intrauterine programming, and gut microbiota in the development of central adiposity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
T1D biomarkers
Assessing the potential of microRNAs and insulin cfDNA in predicting diabetes progression
Insulin-producing cells
Capturing the diversity in naturally occurring insulin gene transcription across human cells
T2D biomarkers
Understanding the role of miRNAs, telomeres, SNPs, DNA methylation and microbiota in obesity and T2D
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Epigenetics
Deciphering epigenetic mechanisms regulating gene expression in cells and disease
Research themes
The Diabetes and Islet Biology Group has three major research themes led by early to mid-career investigators.
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Our collaborators
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The Hardikar lab acknowledges support from collaborating researchers within Australia and overseas.
As of December 2022, the Hardikar Lab collaborates with a total of 101 research groups from over 14 different countries. Details of the collaborating groups can be found by clicking on the country buttons below. The superscript number (1, 2 or 3) next to the name of the investigator indicates the current status of our collaboration.
As shown here, apart from the publications from within our own group, we have published at least one paper with 40% of our collaborators and continue collaborations with the majority (98%) of our past collaborators. We acknowledge the support in form of expertise, resources, clinical samples and/or the time from our collaborators and their team members.
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The research carried in the Islet Biology and Diabetes Group is mostly conducted within the PC2 facilities on levels 1 and 2 (offices on Level 2) of the Ainsworth Building, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown campus. Acknowledgement of traditional owners: With respect for its Aboriginal cultural protocol and out of the recognition of its location on the traditional lands, the Diabetes & Islet Biology Group at the School of Medicine, Western Sydney University acknowledges the Darug, Eora, Dharawal (also referred to as Tharawal) and Wiradjuri people and thank them for their support of its work in their lands (Greater Western Sydney and beyond). We pay our respect to Elders - past, present, and emerging.
Interested in working with us?
Check the News tab to identify positions advertised to work with us. Students/post-docs interested in working with us can click on the link below to submit CV and lodge interest at any time.
PHD Scholarships - watch this space