The Islet Biology group is comprised of the laboratories of Dr. George G. Holz, Dr. Tuncay Delibasi, and Dr. Malek El Muayed, located at the Institute for Human Performance. Ongoing studies seek to identify processes of pancreatic beta-cell insulin secretion, differentiation, proliferation, and survival that are under the control of nutrients, incretin hormones, or pharmaceuticals. Translational research activities include a small molecule drug discovery program that should facilitate the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in humans.