Research within the UCSF DERC is performed within seven program areas, as outlined below. Additional information on each of the programs may be found under this section.

Development Biology of Diabetes: This program brings together research groups with an interest in stem cells and neuroendocrine cell development study how undifferentiated progenitor cells develop into insulin-secreting beta-cells in organized islets of Langerhans. Data is derived from worms, flies, zebrafish, chicks, mice, and humans.

Autoimmunity: This program brings together research groups with an interest in investigating molecular and cellular mechanisms of T-cell differentiation and activation; developing and characterizing animal models of autoimmunity; and developing and initiating novel clinical trials aimed at preventing the autoimmune destruction of islet cells in pre- and new onset diabetes patients.

Metabolism & Obesity: This program brings together research groups with an interest in basic and clinical research that will lead to successful new therapeutic approaches for obesity and insulin resistance.

Cell Biology of Islets: This program brings together research groups with an interest in islet cell function, growth, adhesion, angiogenesis, and ß cell protein bio-synthesis, targeting and folding.

Receptors and Signaling: This program brings together research groups with an interest in T cell receptor signaling events in autoimmunity; investigate insulin and IGF signaling through their receptors and disruption of these signaling mechanisms as precursors of insulin resistance; and investigations of signal transduction mechanisms involving hormones and/or growth factors involved in the pathogenesis/pathophysiology of insulin resistance and diabetes complications.

Islet Transplantation and Immunity: This program brings together research groups with an interest in islet transplantation by developing methods for producing islets with very high viability prior to transplantation; develop new tolerance based therapies for islet transplantation; and integrate program advances in developmental biology, islet stem cell biology and immunology into clinical trials in islet transplantation.

Translational Research –  One key objective of the UCSF DERC is to facilitate and advance the translation of important basic research into clinical investigations and eventually improved diagnostics, preventative measures and treatments for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.