Insulin is an essential hormone that stimulates sugar uptake and storage in our bodies. The cells that secrete insulin, the β-cells, are found in the pancreatic Islets of Langerhans, along with other endocrine cells (like glucagon-secreting α-cells and somatostatin-secreting δ-cells), blood vessels, and macrophages. 

When a person can't produce enough insulin to meet the needs of their body, they may develop hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), or diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the β-cells are selectively killed by the immune system. In type 2 diabetes, the β-cells do not function normally.

Because of the growing prevalence of diabetes, many researchers have focused on determining pathways that damage or kill β-cells. However, we have taken a different approach by focusing on understanding protective mechanisms in β-cells.