Colin Nichols, PhD

A major goal of CIMED is to integrate basic science advances with clinical research and practice. In collaborations with Bess Marshall and Neil White (Pediatrics), and with Maria Remedi (Medicine), Dr. Nichols is leading efforts to translate the findings from animal models of KATP-induced diabetes (above) to understanding and therapy of neonatal and type 2 diabetes. This effort has already impacted therapy for neonatal diabetics, resulting in transfer of patients from lifetime insulin injections to oral sulfonylurea drugs. In collaborations with Drs. Kathy Grange (Pediatrics, Gautam Singh (Pediatrics), and Jin-Moo Lee (Neurology), Dr. Nichols is leading further efforts to understand and treat Cantu Syndrome, caused by mutations in cardiovascular KATP channels. An extensive program involving molecular studies, animal studies and the world’s first Cantu Research Clinic is poised to deliver the first-ever directed therapy for this rare multi-organ disease.