Dr. Lena Eliasson

Biography

Lena Eliasson is a Professor and Co-director at the Lund University Diabetes Centre in Sweden, where she leads research aimed at increasing our understanding of insulin and glucagon secretion mechanisms in diabetes. Her work focuses on islet cell biology, specifically the interplay between alpha and beta cells in the pancreas and their respective roles in maintaining glucose homeostasis. Eliasson has conducted significant research on microRNAs and their effects on beta-cell function, publishing her work on the specific miRNA miR-375 and its impact on exocytosis and secretion dynamics. With years of experience, she employs advanced techniques like patch-clamp and capacitance measurements to dissect cellular mechanisms governing hormone release. Eliasson’s research has crucial implications for developing therapeutic strategies to combat type 2 diabetes, addressing factors like pancreatic cell dysfunction and the budding complications of diabetes, including those associated with cystic fibrosis. As part of the Lund University Diabetes Centre, she actively collaborates on major research projects involving comprehensive RNA-sequencing studies and functional investigations of beta-cell responses under diabetic conditions. Her dedication to research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of scientific inquiry in addressing global health challenges.

Research Interests