Publications:15
Sharon Alterzon, PhD
About Me
Dr. Baumel-Alterzon is a researcher in the islet biology field with a focus on studying the underlying mechanisms that regulate the expansion and differentiation of beta cells in embryonic and postnatal ages, pregnancy and overnutrition with the idea of finding therapeutic targets that can be leveraged to regenerate beta cells in diabetes. In particular, she is interested in discovering the role of oxidative stress in regulating beta cell turnover. The transcription factor, Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is the master regulator of anti-oxidative responses. Dr. Baumel-Alterzon has recently published data indicate that Nrf2 is required for adaptive beta-cell expansion under situations of overnutrition. Importantly, activation of the Nrf2 pathway using the pharmacological agent, CDDO-Me, increases mouse and human beta cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo highlighting the promising therapeutic potential of compounds that modulate Nrf2 to induce beta cell regeneration for diabetes.
Based on those data, Dr. Baumel-Alterzon has been awarded an NIH/NIDDK KO1 research scientist development award to study the role of oxidative stress and Nrf2 in beta cell turnover during pregnancy. In addition, as part of her “Mindich Child Health and Development Institute” trainee pilot award, Dr. Baumel-Alterzon is studying the role of Nrf2 in regulating beta cell proliferation, survival, and identity at early stages of life.
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About Me
Dr. Baumel-Alterzon is a researcher in the islet biology field with a focus on studying the underlying mechanisms that regulate the expansion and differentiation of beta cells in embryonic and postnatal ages, pregnancy and overnutrition with the idea of finding therapeutic targets that can be leveraged to regenerate beta cells in diabetes. In particular, she is interested in discovering the role of oxidative stress in regulating beta cell turnover. The transcription factor, Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is the master regulator of anti-oxidative responses. Dr. Baumel-Alterzon has recently published data indicate that Nrf2 is required for adaptive beta-cell expansion under situations of overnutrition. Importantly, activation of the Nrf2 pathway using the pharmacological agent, CDDO-Me, increases mouse and human beta cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo highlighting the promising therapeutic potential of compounds that modulate Nrf2 to induce beta cell regeneration for diabetes.
Based on those data, Dr. Baumel-Alterzon has been awarded an NIH/NIDDK KO1 research scientist development award to study the role of oxidative stress and Nrf2 in beta cell turnover during pregnancy. In addition, as part of her “Mindich Child Health and Development Institute” trainee pilot award, Dr. Baumel-Alterzon is studying the role of Nrf2 in regulating beta cell proliferation, survival, and identity at early stages of life.