Our goal is to better visualize how molecules, organelles and cells act in concert to organize life, and how this may be affected in diseases, with special interest in Type 1 diabetes.
Associate Professor, Project leider
Cel Biologie, Microscopie, Type 1 Diabetes
To facilitate or research, we develop and implement new microscopic techniques and probes for large-scale electron microscopy. The extensive datasets which are produced are suitable for open-access data sharing (nanotomy). Moreover, we develop correlated microscopy (CLEM) to study dynamics, as well as localizing targets at near-molecular resolution. Finally, we pioneer colorEM to identify multiple targets of interest at high resolution. To ensure that tools are of generic interest, we directly implement these in multiple collaborative research projects.
Our main interest is on the role of cell-cell interaction in diseases, focusing on Islets of Langerhans to help to understand trigger(s) and potential new therapies for Type 1 diabetes. Using the newly developed microscopic techniques, including the fluorescent toolbox , correlative microscopy and nanotomy, we uncovered that exocrine cells may affect endocrine beta cells. Whether these interactions are related to auto-immune destruction of beta cells is under investigation.
Dissertations supervised by Ben N.G. Giepmans (co-promotor or assessor):
2019
Faber, A. I. E. (2019). VPS13A: shining light on its localization and function. [Groningen]: Rijksuniversiteit Groningen.
2018
de Boer, P. (2018). Correlative microscopy reveals abnormalities in type 1 diabetes[Groningen]: Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
2016
Sokol, E. (2016). Pemphigus pathogenesis: Insights from light and electron microscopy studies [Groningen]: University of Groningen
2012
Schnell, U. (2012). Finding the balance: EpCaM signaling in health and disease Groningen: s.n.
Student projects:
A new probe to study cancer cells: From dynamics to nanometer-localization
Type 1 diabetes-induced alterations in islets of Langerhans
PhD students:
Tjakko van Ham
Ulrike Schnell
Ena Sokol
Nanotomy.org (Large-scale electron microscopy (EM) datasets)
UMIC (UMCG Microscopy & Imaging Center)
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