Research groups
Katrina Viloria
PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher
My research focuses on investigating the role of actin regulating proteins in controlling GLP1-R signaling and trafficking. Using mouse models that express tagged GLP1-R and super resolution imaging, I am interested in studying actin binding proteins as a tool to target F-actin remodelling and GLP1-R signaling in beta cells. GLP1-R binds to GLP-1 agonists, which are important treatment for type 2 diabetes. Understanding the mechanisms of GLP1-R signaling may help us improve the action of GLP-1 therapeutics.
Background:
I completed my undergraduate BSc degree in Biology at the University of Alaska Anchorage. I then moved to the UK to acquire my Masters in Biotechnology at Kingston University London. It was also at Kingston that I continued my research to pursue a PhD investigating SPARC matricellular proteins and their role in beta cell function and insulin secretion. Following my PhD, I came to the University of Birmingham as a Post Doc where I studied the role of GC-globulin/ vitamin-D binding protein in alpha cell function and glucagon secretion.
Recent publications
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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
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GC-globulin/vitamin D-binding protein is Required for Pancreatic α Cell Adaptation to Metabolic Stress.
Journal article
Viloria K. et al, (2022), Diabetes
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Vitamin D binding protein/GC-globulin: a novel regulator of alpha cell function and glucagon secretion.
Journal article
Viloria K. et al, (2022), J Physiol, 600, 1119 - 1133
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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
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Vitamin-D-Binding Protein Contributes to the Maintenance of α Cell Function and Glucagon Secretion.
Journal article
Viloria K. et al, (2020), Cell Rep, 31