DOM Research Spotlight: Wendy McKimpson, PhD | Digestive Diseases

Wendy McKimpson, PhD

This edition’s Researcher Spotlight features Wendy McKimpson, PhD, Associate Professor in the Division of Digestive Diseases. Learn more about our colleague below!


Tell us about your current research.
My research delineates fundamental signaling mechanisms of hormone-secreting endocrine cells, particularly pancreatic beta-cells and gut enteroendocrine cells, in the context of diabetes and obesity. An important contributor to disease is their failure, however, much remains unknown about how this happens. I have identified several mechanisms by which cellular identity and homeostasis are altered with disease.

For example, I found that some failing beta-cells activate a Yap1-dependent mesenchymal-like program. I also discovered that gastric Neurog3+ endocrine progenitor cells expand during metabolic stress through Notch and FOXO1. I am currently targeting these pathways to alleviate disease progression.

How do you spend your time outside of research?
In my spare time, I like going for hikes, spending time outdoors, playing the piano, and singing. I also enjoy figure skating, which I’ve been doing since I was five years old!

About the Author

Emory Department of Medicine
The Department of Medicine, part of Emory University's School of Medicine, promotes excellence in education, patient care, and clinical and basic research.

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