Dr Claire Jessup is a medical researcher interested in harnessing the power of the immune system to modulate disease. Specific research projects examine the molecular activation of immune cells involved in the rejection of transplants and the development of autoimmune diseases (e.g. Type 1 diabetes).

Dr Jessup heads the iMOD and Islet Biology group within the College of Medicine and Public Health. Her laboratory utilises techniques including flow cytometry, gene therapy, pancreatic islet isolation, in vitro beta cell and immune assays, confocal microscopy and islet transplantation and diabetes models.

Recent research projects include:

• Modulation of T lymphocyte activation during Type 1 diabetes and islet transplant rejection
• Examining the role of cell surface and intracellular molecules in pancreatic islet function and beta cell survival (Cx36, RCAN1, SK1)
• Investigating the interplay between vascular and endocrine cell types during islet transplantation

In addition to her research role, Dr Jessup teaches Anatomy and Histology topics within the MD course and supervises PhD research students.

Dr Jessup acknowledges support from generous funding bodies including NHMRC, Diabetes Australia, Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation, FMC Foundation and Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology.