March 2024

Diabetes, the leading global journal for basic diabetes research, sought the expertise of Dr. Renata Pereira, a faculty member of the FOEDRC, to review and analyze recent development in specific, but important area of diabetes research. This state-of-the-art review recently authored by Dr. Pereira titled "Mitochondrial Dynamics, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease" was published in the January edition of the journal. Dr. Pereira's manuscript focuses on Mitochondria, which are the cellular powerhouses responsible for producing energy needed to support various cellular functions. Dr. Pereira reviews how changes in the physical shape of mitochondria can impair their ability to function correctly. This leads to impaired cell function and overall reduced health. By summarizing various studies, Dr. Pereira underscores the link between altered mitochondria shape and the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. She concludes by sharing her perspective on the potential to control changes in mitochondria shape for the treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Dale Abel, former FOEDRC director, served as a co-author on the manuscript. In fact, Dr. Pereira trained under Dr. Abel and the manuscript highlights some of the research work from Dr. Pereira's time in the Abel laboratory plus new findings generated in Dr. Pereira's independent laboratory at the University of Iowa. The FOEDRC is thankful for Dr. Pereira's ongoing work and for her carrying on the Iowa legacy of Dr. Abel.