The Institute of Metabolism and Physiology performs scientific research and offers educational courses on internal organ physiology. Our research focuses on three tissues that are key to metabolism: pancreatic islets, the microvasculature, and the liver. More specifically, we investigate how pancreatic islets, located in the pancreas, regulate blood glucose levels via secretion of polypeptide hormones. In addition, we study the cardiovascular system that transports nutrients, oxygen and hormones to all tissues of the body. Finally, we research the liver, the only inner organ that can completely regenerate.

All three organ systems (pancreatic islets, the cardiovascular system, and the liver) dynamically interact and are essential for life.

In addition to working on their basic physiology, we are interested in understanding each organ during disease, in particular diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, and liver damage.

• Pancreatic Islets
• Cardiovascular System
• Liver

Lammert & Zeeb, Metabolism of Human Diseases, Springer-Verlag Wien 2014
International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas -7th Edition
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Vital Statistics Reports, 65(2)
World Health Organisation (WHO) Fact sheet No 371 on Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)