Cavener lab

We use mouse models to understand how basic cellular functions result in specific disease phenotypes. For example, we study PERK, and ER resident kinase, that regulates differentiation, proliferation and the secretory pathway of insulin beta cells and osteoblasts. When PERK function is reduced, both humans and mice develop neonatal diabetes, growth retardation and severe bone defects. Cellular phenotypes include retention of proinsulin or procollagen in the ER.