Welcome To The Hussain Laboratory Website

The overall objective of the laboratory is to understand at the molecular and organismal level how the endocrine pancreas functions and the molecular mechanisms that underlie defective functioning of the endocrine pancreas in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus.

The laboratory focuses on G-Protein coupled signaling in endocrine pancreatic cells and hepatocytes and how these signaling pathways modify cell behavior. We are particularly interested in understanding how these pathways are affected in human disease and how we can use our insights to identify and develop new treatment strategies.

The experimental model systems that we use are genetically engineered mouse models based on the CRE/LoxP system, isolated islets and hepatocytes, human islets, human stem cell derived ß-like cell as well as immortalized cell lines.

We manipulate gene expression using the CRE/LoxP system in mice and gene editing (CRISPR/Cas9 based) systems in islets and cells.

A major emphasis is on discovering new concepts and new molecular mechanisms. We have a proven track record of discovering entirely new mechanisms that have led to paradigm changes in the scientific field as well as patent applications.

The questions that are asked in the laboratory are driven by hypotheses that emerge from sound scientific premise and our own data. The tools used in the laboratory span the entire spectrum of state of the art molecular and cell biology as well as in vivo experimentation in vertebrate model systems. Many of the tools used in the laboratory are unique and have been generated by the laboratory over the years.

The complex and multifaceted work in the laboratory requires a strong culture of teamwork. Every member of the laboratory relies on the high quality work of the other members in the laboratory. Vice versa, each member’s work is relied upon for the work of the other members.

As such, there are no isolated “individual projects”. There are projects for which individual members are the main drivers and assume the responsibility for the successful coordination and completion of all the studies involved; but the positive, timely and high quality contribution of each member is critical for the success of the laboratory. This team approach allows the laboratory to conduct complex and highly unique set of studies that have in the past set the standard in the scientific field.

Our laboratory is located at the North Campus Research Complex of the University of Michigan. This is a premier research facility and a major hub for metabolism related research at the University of Michigan.

The vision is that all members participate to varying degrees in the multitude of studies that are ongoing simultaneously. Some projects may be in the early stages, when protocols and tools are being generated, other projects may be reaching the completion before submission of manuscripts.

Every laboratory member is an important part of the team and all results from experiments in the laboratory are results that each member contributes to directly or indirectly.

We also enjoy fun times at the lab and outside when we go out together for hiking, for meals or gather for treats from all over the world that we share with each other.