Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
Faculty Research Focus
| IRWIN,
David M, PhD Professor (Graduate Faculty) |
1 King's College Circle MSB, Rm 6207 Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7 Phone (416) 978-0519 Ext Fax (416) 000-0000 E-mail: david.irwin@utoronto.ca |
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We are interested in the biology of the proglucagon gene. The proglucagon gene encodes several hormones that are important in human physiology. Despite its importance little is known about the regulation of the human gene for proglucagon. We have initiated studies on the tissue-specific expression of the human proglucagon gene using in vitro and in vivo methods. To better understand proglucagon we have also characterized proglucagon sequences from a number of vertebrate species and discovered novel methods that can be used to regulate hormone production by this gene. Hormone action also depends upon receptors for the hormones. We also have studies examining the family of receptors for the hormones encoded by the proglucagon gene. |
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Selected Publications: Nian, M., Drucker, D.J., and Irwin, D.M. Divergent evolution of human and rat proglucagon gene promoter in vivo. American Journal of Physiology 277, G829-G837, 1999. Irwin, D.M. Molecular evolution of proglucagon. Regulatory Peptides, 98, 1-12, 2001. Sivarajah, P., Wheeler, M.B., and Irwin, D.M. Evolution of receptors for proglucagon-derived peptides: Isolation of frog glucagon receptors. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 128, 515-527, 2001. |
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