Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Diabetes Research Center (VDRC) is a NIH-sponsored Diabetes Research Center that promotes new discoveries and enhances scientific progress through cutting-edge basic and clinical research related to the etiology and complications of diabetes and obesity.

For over 50 years, the VDRC has worked to rapidly translate research findings into novel strategies for the prevention, treatment and cure of diabetes and related conditions.

The VDRC supports core facilities that enhance diabetes-related research and organizes an enrichment program of seminars and small groups that create a dynamic environment for the training of the next generation of scientists. We invite you to collaborate with us as we work to reduce the burden of diabetes.

Research Cores

Animal Physiology & Phenotyping
Vanderbilt Animal Metabolic Physiology Core Julio Ayala PhD
The Animal Metabolic Physiology Core will provide state-of-the-art research techniques and expert guidance in integrative metabolic physiology to VDRC investigators.</p>
Assay - Human & Laboratory Animal
Vanderbilt Hormone Assay and Analytical Services Core Owen McGuinness PhD
The Hormone Assay and Analytical Services Core (ASC), which includes Lipid and Oxidative Stress subcores, provides VDRC investigators with essential assays and analytical approaches that allow them to perform important and innovative research related to diabetes, obesity, and metabolism.
Islet Biology & Metabolism
Vanderbilt Islet and Pancreas Analysis CoreMarcela Brissova PhD
The Islet and Pancreas Analysis (IPA) Core assists VDRC’s large group of renowned and collaborative investigators who are studying a broad spectrum of islet-related processes, ranging from the function of islet-enriched factors and intracellular signaling to in vivo physiology and maintenance of hormone secretory profiles.

Center People

Center Director
Alvin C Powers Alvin C Powers MD Email
Core Director
Julio Ayala PhD Vanderbilt Animal Metabolic Physiology Core Email
Marcela Brissova PhD Vanderbilt Islet and Pancreas Analysis Core Email
Owen McGuinness PhD Vanderbilt Hormone Assay and Analytical Services Core Email
Core Associate/Managing Director
Dale S Edgerton PhD Vanderbilt Hormone Assay and Analytical Services Core Email
Center Member
Roland W Stein PhD Email
Pilot & Feasibility Director
Sheila Collins PhD Vanderbilt Pilot & Feasibility Program Email