Ricardo L. Pastori Research Group

University of Miami

How can non‑genetic protein delivery techniques protect and regenerate human islet beta cells for diabetes therapies? The Pastori Lab developed protein transduction applications using small cell‑penetrating peptides to deliver proteins into islet cells to protect against isolation and transplantation stress. The group investigated miRNA regulation in beta cells during murine and human pancreatic embryonic development to understand molecular control of beta‑cell identity. The lab collaborates on induction and lineage tracing of BMP‑responsive human pancreatic ductal progenitor cells to identify regenerative sources. The team applies single‑cell RNAseq and transplantation of sorted populations to characterize progenitors and test regenerative potential.