Research

Endocrinology division faculty are actively involved in both basic and clinical research. The Division works with laboratories in other departments and institutions, providing fellows an opportunity to expand their research interests and learning opportunities.

Basic Science Research

Research within the division is grouped into several main themes.

Dr. Ellen K. Grishman
Ellen K. Grishman, MD

  • Research on Type 1 diabetes includes studies of gene expression in peripheral blood cells, which includes cells mediating immune responses, conducted by Dr. Ellen Kaizer Grishman, who has found that signs of inflammation are very prominent in these cells around the time when children are diagnosed. Supported by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, she and Dr. Perrin White are following up these results in test tube studies to see what factors in serum — such as fatty acids — are responsible for triggering this inflammation and to try to elucidate the intracellular signaling pathways by which this happens. Additionally, Dr. Soumya Adhikari and Dr. Kathryn Sumpter have conducted a pilot study of a powerful anti-inflammatory agent — anakinra — in children with new-onset Type 1 diabetes to see if it might be safely used to prolong the honeymoon period in which some insulin secretion remains. Additional studies are planned with a more powerful related agent.
  • Dr. Michele Hutchison has studied the natural history of progression to insulin dependence among children with Type 2 diabetes. She has also found a very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among patients in the obesity clinic and has found that this is associated with biochemical changes predisposing to Type 2 diabetes.  Dr. Hutchison also conducts NIH-supported basic research on how bones grow at specialized zones of cartilage termed growth plates, and industry-sponsored clinical research on the therapy of short stature with the growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1.
  • Dr. Perrin White has studied several genetic diseases of steroid hormone biosynthesis and metabolism including the most common forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Recently he has concentrated on translational research including studies of gene expression in white blood cells from children with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and a pilot study of a potent anti-inflammatory agent, anakinra, in patients with new-onset Type 1 diabetes.