Biography
Dr. Tzuwen Hong is a Research Associate in the Department of Diabetes and Obesity, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences. She works in Prof. Peter Jones’ group. The aims for her project are to investigate novel mechanisms through which MSCs improve the functional survival of islet beta-cells (including MSC-derived EVs and mitochondrial transfer); and to establish cell-free modifications to human islet isolation and transplantation protocols to improve the beta-cell function and transplantation outcomes.
Tzuwen completed her MSci and PhD at the University of Tokyo, Japan. Her doctoral research involved studying the role of bile acid receptors (FXR andTGR5) in energy metabolism during and after fasting, she investigated the regulatory mechanism and the physiological function of TGR5 activation. After her PhD, she worked as a postdoc at the Imperial College London/MRC-LMS, where she investigated the role of oestrogen and ER signalling within the bone using transgenic mice allowed targeting of multiple mesenchymal cell subtypes.
Her research interests include metabolic regulation and Mechanism of tissue repair, remodelling and regeneration.
Research
Islet Biology Research Group
Our group studies the fundamental science of islets of Langerhans, from the molecular biology of beta-cells to their effects on whole body physiology. We research the mechanisms of islet dysfunction during type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, identify novel therapeutic targets, and work to improve islet transplantation therapy for type 1 diabetes.
Research
Islet Biology Research Group
Our group studies the fundamental science of islets of Langerhans, from the molecular biology of beta-cells to their effects on whole body physiology. We research the mechanisms of islet dysfunction during type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, identify novel therapeutic targets, and work to improve islet transplantation therapy for type 1 diabetes.