Dr. Sebag’s laboratory studies how MRAP2 regulates the actions of ghrelin, a peptide hormone that can inhibit insulin secretion by binding to the ghrelin receptor in d-cells of the pancreatic islet. By deleting MRAP2 in the d-cells of mice, this group showed that MRAP2 is required for ghrelin-mediated inhibition of insulin secretion. His group is developing small-molecule enhancers of insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation for the treatment of insulin resistance in diabetes. Studies by Dr. Norris have linked changes in acylated-ghrelin in the CF ferret model to impaired insulin secretion and glucose metabolism.