Jeffrey Millman Laboratory

Stem Cell Biology

We have made seminal discoveries into fate selection to and maturation of β cells, specializing in planar and three-dimensional bioreactor differentiation of human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. This is achieved by employing rigorous phenotyping, including single-cell RNA sequencing, functional assays, and microscopy, along with genome modification with CRISPR/Cas9 and viral vector gene delivery.

Transplantation in Diabetic Mice

Cell replacement therapy and regenerative medicine offers a functional cure for diabetes. Our experience with mouse transplantation allows in-depth evaluation this application with our stem cell-derived β cells, demonstrating reversal of pre-existing diabetes with many of our technologies.

Disease Modeling

Generation of β cells from diabetic patient-derived iPS cells offers a unique window into disease initiation and progress. We are using these cells to develop new diabetes disease models and evaluate cell replacement therapy using patients’ own cells

Biomedical Engineering

We are recapitulating the complexity of native tissue microenvironment found within the body by tissue engineering islets of Langerhans and studying the interactions of beta cells with biomaterials using 3D bioprinting and microcontact printing.

Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering

We are using modern gene editing tools to modify the expression of target genes relating to islet development and diabetes, such as CRISPR-Cas9 to correct diabetes-causing mutations and CRISPR-dCas9 to modulate gene expression. These tools offer new approaches to the development of new methodologies to improve differentiation and enhance SC-Islet performance and study diabetes pathology.