The Translational Endocrinology and Metabolism Group is dedicated to advancing understanding and developing innovative treatments in the fields of diabetes, obesity, and metabolic diseases. The group employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating clinical research, molecular biology, and translational science to improve patient outcomes.
The group’s work spans from bench to bedside, with a strong emphasis on translating scientific discoveries into practical clinical applications. With expertise in endocrinology, vitamin biology, metabolic health, and transplantation, the group collaborates globally to address critical health challenges.
Through innovative research and interdisciplinary partnerships, the Translational Endocrinology and Metabolism Group aims to improve the lives of patients with metabolic and endocrine disorders, advancing the boundaries of science and clinical care.
Research Focus Areas
- Diabetes and Autoimmune Complications: The group has extensively studied autoimmune diabetes associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), revealing key insights into its clinical presentation, including C-peptide loss and pancreatic atrophy (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2024). This research provides critical knowledge for managing this complication in cancer therapies.
- Liver Regeneration and Vitamin D: Their work has highlighted the essential role of vitamin D signaling in liver regeneration post-hepatectomy (Endocrinology, 2024). These findings open avenues for therapeutic interventions in liver repair and recovery.
- Obesity Treatment Strategies: The team has identified iron chelation as a novel approach to enhance beige fat differentiation and metabolic activity, offering potential pathways for obesity prevention and treatment (Scientific Reports, 2022).
- Wound Healing and Nutritional Interventions: A randomized clinical trial demonstrated that vitamin C significantly improves healing in high-risk foot ulcers, providing evidence for a simple yet effective therapeutic option for patients with diabetes (British Journal of Nutrition, 2021).
- Pancreas and Islet Transplantation: The group contributed to the first global consensus conference on pancreas transplantation, helping establish clinical guidelines to optimize outcomes for patients requiring these life-saving procedures (American Journal of Transplantation, 2021).
Recent Achievements
- Obtained OGTR approval for potential human gene therapy trial
- Investigator grant for 2025-2029
- Charmaine Cheung completed her PhD
Recent publications

Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Autoimmune Diabetes Mellitus Is Characterized by C-peptide Loss and Pancreatic Atrophy. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 109 (5), 1301-1307.

Vitamin D Receptor regulates liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in male mice. Endocrinology, 2024. 165 (8). https://doi.org/10.1210/endocr/bqae077. Feature article.

Iron chelation increases beige fat differentiation and metabolic activity, preventing and treating obesity. Scientific Reports. 2022. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-04809-8.

Vitamin C improves healing of foot ulcers: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. British Journal of Nutrition. 2021. 126(10), 1451-1458. doi: 10.1017/S0007114520003815.

First World Consensus Conference On Pancreas Transplantation: Part II – Recommendations. American Journal of Transplantation. 2021. DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16750.
Group Members
Jenny Gunton | Director |
Linda Wu | PhD student |
Nada Bechara | PhD student |
Sarah Davis | PhD student |
Nicholas Norris | Post-doctoral researcher |
Johnson Li | Incoming PhD student |