Amsterdam institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases

Supported by an Amsterdam institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases Work Visit Grant, PhD candidate Moyan Liu embarked on a four-month journey at the laboratory of Prof. Verchere at the University of British Columbia (Childhood Diabetes Laboratories, BC Children’s Hospital). During her time at the Prof. Verchere laboratory, Liu, a researcher in diabetes and immunology, delved into critical pre-clinical experiments that promise to reshape her understanding of type 1 diabetes.

Liu’s host institute, the BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, one of Canada's largest and globally renowned research institutions is particularly distinguished for its pioneering research on beta-cell biology and immunity, addressing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Prof. Verchere, the lab's head, is a distinguished professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and also serves as the director of the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics (CMMT).

The core focus of the internship for Liu was unraveling the in-vivo function of a specific microbial metabolite in type 1 diabetes through meticulous pre-clinical experiments. Collaborating closely with Prof. Verchere and his team, Liu successfully led two experiments involving non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. This experience was particularly valuable as the host institution provides a different housing vivarium for mice compared to the Amsterdam UMC animal facility. This difference in housing environments enhances the comprehension of Liu about the effectiveness of the target compound in alleviating type 1 diabetes in NOD mice, given the environmental sensitivity of this animal model. The experiments also refined Liu's skills in isolating immune cells from various murine organs, contributing to a nuanced understanding of immune system dynamics influenced by the target compound.

One of the highlights for Liu was the mastery of isolating pancreatic islets from mice, a technique with profound implications for exploring diabetes mechanisms. This skill expands the horizons of diabetes research for Liu and her team at the Department of Experimental Vascular Medicine and also offers direct applications for further fundamental research.

Beyond the laboratory work, Liu actively participated in seminars and workshops at the host institute, gaining insights into current trends and challenges in diabetes research. These interactions not only broadened Liu’s perspective on global efforts to combat diabetes but also provided a platform to discuss research ideas with eminent scholars in the field.

For more information contact Moyan Liu.

Text: Moyan Liu and Esmée Vesseur