DR. DAVID TAYLOR-FISHWICK JOINS SDI RESEARCH TEAM

Dr. David Taylor-Fishwick arrived at the Strelitz Diabetes Institutes this past November and has already contributed to researchers' understanding of islet cell regeneration by discovering how to measure INGAP production.

As Director of the Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, he explains, "I am very excited to be part of the closely working research team. I never thought that I would leave industry and return to academia and basic science research. But industry is product oriented, and I could not pass up the opportunity to direct research at the SDI on INGAP and neuropathy - research that directly applies to people's lives."

Comparing his scientific role to that of a detective, Dr. Taylor-Fishwick observes, "Biology doesn't easily give up its secrets and can take you in unexpected directions. It's very humbling. As a molecular immunologist, I am intrigued by the huge immune component to diabetes - what are the disease targets and how can growth factors work in the prevention and cure of the disease and its complications."

Dr. Taylor-Fishwick's work on INGAP at the SDI will focus on finding the receptor that INGAP binds to in order to enable insulin production. He says, "We need to understand the chain of events thatÕs involved with INGAP - what switches it on, what controls it and what does INGAP do."

A youthful appearance belies Dr. Taylor-Fishwick's experience and reputation in the scientific world. After completing his doctorate at the University of London, he pursued a postdoctoral fellowship in molecular biology and immunology at the National Naval Hospital at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda and has been a member of basic science research teams in England, Switzerland, and the USA. Throughout his experience, a common goal of his research has been the development of new strategies for disease cure through an understanding of how growth factors regulate cell function.

Before joining the SDI, David spent four years in pharmaceutical research at AstraZeneca in England as a principal molecular immunologist. There, he helped identify novel regulatory pathways and investigated the role of small molecular weight entities on cell regulation in the immune system.

"Dr. Taylor-Fishwick brings to INGAP research his capability and rapport with techniques involving the gene and its products that will help bring it into the realm of a therapeutic agent," says Dr. Aaron I. Vinik. "His experience in the pharmaceutical industry is particularly important in identifying targets (receptors) of the gene and its products which is the sort of expertise that is required to take INGAP into the next phase, or generation, of activity."

Dr. Taylor-Fishwick is married to Judith, who has assumed the position of Associate Director of Faculty Development in the Department of Internal Medicine at EVMS. They have two young children. Many of the adjustments to American life have been easier than their first stay in the United States, but it certainly has been a 21st century experience. They purchased their home in Norfolk through the Internet and some expert guidance by a real estate agent long-distance.

Now, settled both at home and at work, Dr. Taylor-Fishwick will work closely with the SDI's research team and with international collaborators toward the prevention and treatment of neuropathy and the ultimate goal of a cure for diabetes through islet cell regeneration.

He concludes, "Though I don't work directly with patients, I know that what we are doing in the laboratories will help people, and that's a great feeling."