Professor Dr. Matthew Merrins

Biography

Matthew Merrins is an Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Director of the Optical Imaging Core. His research focuses on understanding metabolic signaling and pancreatic islet deficiencies associated with type 2 diabetes. The Merrins Lab specializes in single-cell approaches, particularly live-cell imaging and electrophysiology, to develop optical tools that provide new insights into diabetes pathophysiology. His main research interests include exploring the features of nutrient metabolism in islet cells, specifically their ability to trigger pulses of insulin release and fine-tune hormone secretion through cell-cell communication. The lab utilizes mouse models of obesity and diabetes, employing a combination of biochemistry and quantitative imaging techniques. A central focus of the lab is the use of advanced fluorescence microscopy, including 3D light-sheet imaging and optogenetics, to monitor biochemical reactions occurring in living cells.

Research Interests