UCSD-UCLA

The UCSD-UCLA DRC functions not only to integrate research activities across the two universities and related institutions, but also serves as a hub for other research enterprises in the Southern California area and beyond. Together, the participating institutions constitute an unprecedented wealth of diabetes and metabolic research expertise and experience. The multi-institutional nature of the DRC is unique and allows us to broadly foster and integrate a group of dedicated investigators engaged in basic and clinical research in diabetes and metabolism throughout the Southern California area. This collaborative, multi-institutional effort has been in existence for the last 20 years and has proven to be an important force in advancing the diabetes research agenda in our region and beyond. We coordinate training programs, identify and support the brightest young scientists, offer retreats and numerous seminar series, sponsor endowed lectureships, and operate cutting edge cores that provide crucial services to over 100 faculty.

For the past 20 years, the UCSD-UCLA DRC has linked together the diabetes and metabolism research activities of two major universities within the UC system and three outstanding Institutes in Southern California. This effort has fostered new collaborations and interactions between outstanding scientists within and across these institutions.

The DRC will continue to advance scientific and intellectual interactions by organizing and facilitating monthly meetings and lectures, mentor young scientists through support of our Pilot Grants and Enrichment Programs, accelerate diabetes research by providing state-of-the-art services through four cutting-edge cores, and accelerate translational research activity and collaborations through interactions with the Clinical and Translational Science Award programs at each institution.

Partner Institutions

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation
UCLA School of Medicine UCLA School of Medicine

Research Cores

Animal Physiology & Phenotyping
UCSD-UCLA Metabolic and Molecular Physiology CoreAndrea L Hevener PhD
The primary objectives of the MMPC are to provide DRC investigators with thorough scientific consultation and timely, accurate, and easily accessible mouse, tissue, and cellular phenotyping.
Molecular Biology, Genetics & Genomics
UCSD-UCLA Genomics and Epigenetics CoreSven Heinz PhD
The DRC Genomics and Epigenetics Core is a state-of-the-art facility that facilitates high-throughput genomic approaches. High-throughput sequencing, data acquisition and analysis require expensive instrumentation and reagents and a highly skilled team of individuals who are experts in specific components of the overall procedure.
Molecular Biology, Genetics & Genomics
UCSD-UCLA Human Genetics CoreJerome I Rotter MD
The goal of the Human Genetics Core is to offer such expertise to DRC investigators conducting studies into the genetics of diabetes, its complications and related disorders, so that they can employ cutting-edge molecular and analytic methodologies in this rapidly developing field.
Specialized Animal & Gene Modification
UCSD-UCLA Transgenic and Knockout Mouse CorePamela L Mellon PhD
The DRC Transgenic and Knock-out Core is a state-of-the-art facility that has an outstanding track record in the production of genetically altered subjects.

Center People

Center Director
Alan R Saltiel Alan R Saltiel PhD Email
Core Director
Sven Heinz PhD UCSD-UCLA Genomics and Epigenetics Core Email
Andrea L Hevener PhD UCSD-UCLA Metabolic and Molecular Physiology Core Email
Pamela L Mellon PhD UCSD-UCLA Transgenic and Knockout Mouse Core Email
Jerome I Rotter MD UCSD-UCLA Human Genetics Core Email
Core Co-Director
Mark O Goodarzi MD PhD UCSD-UCLA Human Genetics Core Email
Center Member
Christopher K Glass MD PhD Email
Jerrold M Olefsky MD Email
Pilot & Feasibility Director
Peter Tontonoz MD PhD UCSD-UCLA Pilot & Feasibility Program Email