Biography

Francis Lynn completed his PhD in Ray Pederson's laboratory at UBC where he became interested in beta cells, diabetes and gene regulation. Postdoctoral studies with Michael German in San Francisco piqued his interest in beta cell development and small RNA biology.

His group is interested in understanding the mechanisms that regulate the formation of islet β-cells from pancreatic stem or progenitor cells during solid organ formation. They focus on the gene regulatory networks at play in the progenitor cells and how these networks change during differentiation to mature endocrine cells and in the long-term maintenance of the β-cell. They believe that a greater understanding of these genetic mechanisms and pathways will refine cell-based approaches for preventing and reversing the β-cell deterioration and loss that occur with diabetes.