Research groups
Daniela Nasteska
MD, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Functional beta cell heterogeneity
My research focuses on the modalities of GPCR receptor (GLP1R and GIPR) signalling in pancreatic beta cells and islets. By combining mouse models, GLP1R/GIPR-specific tags and dyes and advanced (super-resolution) imaging, I am looking into differences in receptor distribution across beta cell population. GLP1R agonists are therapies of choice for patients with type 2 diabetes due to their role in improving insulin secretion and appetite suppression. Understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying their action in beta cells and islets allows widening of their scope of action and mitigation of their side effects.
Background: I trained as a medical doctor in Macedonia and transitioned to research during my PhD studies. I earned my PhD in Japan, at the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Kyoto University. My work there centred around incretin pathophysiology in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Following PhD completion, I moved to the Centre for Diabetes Research at Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) in Belgium, where I worked on mechanisms underlying premature beta cell death in type 2 diabetes. After moving to the University of Birmingham, I widened my scope of research with the following projects: beta cell heterogeneity and its importance in sustaining normal insulin secretion, describing key factors managing glucose metabolism in beta cells and longitudinal assessment of protein turnover in islets.
Key publications
-
PDX1LOW MAFALOW β-cells contribute to islet function and insulin release.
Journal article
Nasteska D. et al, (2021), Nat Commun, 12
-
Prolyl-4-hydroxylase 3 maintains β cell glucose metabolism during fatty acid excess in mice.
Journal article
Nasteska D. et al, (2021), JCI Insight, 6
-
GC-globulin/vitamin D-binding protein is Required for Pancreatic α Cell Adaptation to Metabolic Stress.
Journal article
Viloria K. et al, (2022), Diabetes
-
Revealing the tissue-level complexity of endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor expression and signaling.
Journal article
Ast J. et al, (2023), Nat Commun, 14
-
Maternal hypothyroidism in mice influences glucose metabolism in adult offspring.
Journal article
Kemkem Y. et al, (2020), Diabetologia, 63, 1822 - 1835
Recent publications
-
PEPITEM modulates leukocyte trafficking to reduce obesity-induced inflammation.
Journal article
Pezhman L. et al, (2023), Clin Exp Immunol
-
Revealing the tissue-level complexity of endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor expression and signaling.
Journal article
Ast J. et al, (2023), Nat Commun, 14
-
GC-globulin/vitamin D-binding protein is Required for Pancreatic α Cell Adaptation to Metabolic Stress.
Journal article
Viloria K. et al, (2022), Diabetes
-
Lack of ZnT8 protects pancreatic islets from hypoxia- and cytokine-induced cell death.
Journal article
Karsai M. et al, (2022), J Endocrinol, 253, 1 - 11
-
Isoform-specific Roles of Prolyl Hydroxylases in the Regulation of Pancreatic β-Cell Function.
Journal article
Hoang M. et al, (2022), Endocrinology, 163
-
Nicotinamide riboside has minimal impact on energy metabolism in mouse models of mild obesity.
Journal article
Cartwright DM. et al, (2021), The Journal of endocrinology, 251, 111 - 123
-
Prolyl-4-hydroxylase 3 maintains β cell glucose metabolism during fatty acid excess in mice.
Journal article
Nasteska D. et al, (2021), JCI Insight, 6
-
PDX1LOW MAFALOW β-cells contribute to islet function and insulin release.
Journal article
Nasteska D. et al, (2021), Nat Commun, 12