Qimin Zhang (M.D., 1970, China) had his disputation (Ph.D.) in 1998 in the Department Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet in the field of molecular endocrinology. He continued his research in diabetes in the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna until 2003 when he joined to the diabetes group in the Department of Clinical Education and Research, Karolinska Institutet at Södersjukhuset. Short description of Qimin Zhang´s research Insulin is secreted from pancreatic β-cells by Ca2+-dependent exocytosis. Loss of glucose-sensitive insulin secretion is an important pathogenetic event in diabetes. The mechanisms regulating Ca2+ handling, insulin exocytosis and the β-cell mass are far from clear. Disruption of the intimal layer of the arterial wall is a great risk for vascular disease, the most common etiology for morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes. Improvement of β -cell and endothelial functions are major goals not only in diabetes research but also in the clinical management of the disease. Dr. Qimin Zhang's current studies mainly include: A. Studies on molecular mechanisms regulating the pancreatic β-cell function and Ca2+ signaling in the β-cell. Attention is paid on the roles of hormones and anti-diabetic agents on pancreatic β-cell function and regeneration, as well as the behind molecular mechanisms. The project involves studies of the β-cell Ca2+ handling, protein kinases and phosphatases involved in regulation of insulin exocytosis and the β-cell regeneration. B. Studies on regulation of endothelial function and regeneration in human endothelial cells. The project involves studies of the roles of glucagons-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), insulin and other anti-diabetic drugs on endothelial function, proliferation and apoptosis, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying their actions in the human endothelial cell. C. Studies on functions and regeneration of GLP-1- and glucagons- secreting cells. The project involves studies on hormone secretion, cell proliferation and apoptosis induced by clinically applied anti-diabetic hormones and drugs. In addition, the molecular mechanisms behind the actions of the drugs are under investigation. | 
