Kristen L. Wells

This study identifies beta cell reactivity as a key feature distinguishing T1D-associated CD8 T cells from other pancreatic T cells.

This study optimizes single-cell long-read sequencing protocols for improved isoform detection in pancreatic islets, showing better transcript identification and longer reads through library preparation and transcript depletion strategies.

This study shows NKX2.2 is not required for endocrine specification but is needed for resolving endocrine fates in human pancreatic progenitors.

This study identifies SIRT2 as a regulator of β-cell proliferation, showing its role in controlling β-cell expansion during hyperglycemia while preserving feedback mechanisms.

This study identifies CHD4 as a cofactor of NKX2.2 that regulates beta cell function by repressing non-beta cell gene programs, leading to diabetes when disrupted.

The paper identifies unique phenotypic and BCR repertoire features of pancreatic islet antigen-reactive B cells in prediabetic and recent-onset type 1 diabetes individuals compared to non-diabetic donors.

This study identifies KLF4 as a novel factor that cooperates with NKX2.2 to regulate alpha cell identity by co-occupying promoters and modulating chromatin accessibility.

This study shows that uterine injury during diestrus in mice causes embryo spacing defects and COX pathway disruptions, leading to placental and embryonic developmental issues.

The paper uses single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics to analyze immune cell subsets in human tonsils, revealing that autoimmune risk variants have strong regulatory potential in germinal center cells.