UROP Project
Determine if phagocytosed insulin amyloid damages phagosomal membranes of macrophages
insulin, diabetes, phagocytosis, macrophage
Research Mentor: guan@eng.famu.fsu.edu Jingjiao Guan, Prof.
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: guan@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: guan@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Biology
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Biology
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
Insulin-derived amyloidosis (“insulin balls”) develops at sites of repeated subcutaneous insulin injection and can impair insulin absorption and glycemic control. However, the cellular mechanisms that allow these deposits to persist remain poorly understood. We hypothesize that when macrophages phagocytose insulin amyloid, the fibrils inflict both physical and chemical damage to phagosomal membranes, resulting in lysosomal dysfunction and pro-inflammatory signaling that impairs clearance. To investigate this, we will employ a novel approach to synthesize insulin amyloid aggregates with precisely defined compositions and structures, enabling controlled studies of their interactions with model macrophages. Our research has two primary objectives: (1) to optimize methods for producing synthetic insulin amyloids with reproducible properties, and (2) to determine whether these aggregates cause measurable phagosomal damage in macrophages. By elucidating the mechanisms underlying insulin amyloid–induced cellular injury, this work aims to provide new insights into the pathogenesis of insulin-derived amyloidosis and to inform strategies for preventing or mitigating these lesions in diabetes management.Research Tasks: Conducting experiments including fabricating microparticles and culturing cells.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Recommended skills:
Fluorescence microscopy and image analysis
Data analysis and lab documentation
BSL-2 safety practices and chemical handling