Weight-loss drugs grab center stage in latest DOM Research Lab Spotlight Meeting

The second gathering for the newly rechristened DOM Research Lab Spotlight Meetings — held May 13 on the topic of “Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism” — was a hit with attendees, who heard from two faculty in the Division of Endocrinology.

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Presenters, again in Room 102 of the Medical Research Building in Tucson, were Jennifer Stern, PhD, and division chief Ronadip Banerjee, MD, PhD, who spoke on the latest investigations in their labs. Both commented during Q&A sessions after their presentations on weight-loss drugs related to GLP-1 receptor agonists, Wegovy and Ozempic in particular, and their implications for improved health.

Janet Funk, MD, the DOM vice chair for research and an Endocrinology professor, said this meeting focused on “a cutting-edge topic given interest and use of weight-loss drugs, including today’s release of Eli Lilly data on a new agent that targets three gut hormones, including glucagon, the study of Dr. Stern’s research, as well as GLP-1, which was the subject of Dr. Banerjee’s presentation.”

Up first was Dr. Stern, whose talk title was “Glucagon signaling in aging and healthspan: Functions beyond glucose homeostasis.”

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Citing the many questions that followed her research summary, Dr. Stern said, “This month’s Department of Medicine research meeting was an excellent forum to share my group’s current and future studies with fellow basic scientists. There was no shortage of thought-provoking questions and insight from colleagues, not to mention the beginnings of new collaborations. I am looking forward to attending next month’s gathering.”

The second presentation was titled, “Banerjee Lab metabolism project updates: A few vignettes.” Dr. Banerjee in his first vignette offered a counterpoint to GLP-1 receptor agonists, noting while the treatment has many beneficial effects that “have revolutionized diabetes and obesity management,” it also can induce obesity and therapeutic resistance.

He said of the meeting, “It was very helpful to present ongoing projects, and get feedback from others across the breadth of research and clinical expertise in the DOM. For example, several questions and resulting discussion have already been helpful in adjusting our research experimental design. I also made new connections with researchers in other divisions I didn’t previously know, and this may lead to projects on areas of overlapping interests.”

Dr. Banerjee added that he thought the Research Lab Spotlight gatherings were a great idea of DOM Chair James K. Liao, MD, and DOM Administrator Phetcharat “Pat” Chen, PhD, to facilitate interaction about ongoing research.

EXTRA: Next up – Immunology & Infectious Diseases

The next DOM Research Lab Spotlight Meeting will be held Wednesday, June 10, 4-6 p.m., in Room 102 of the Medical Research Building, 1656 E. Mabel St. A light meal and beverages will be served. The topic focuses on research from the Division of Infectious Diseases and will feature ID Division Chief Rajat Madan, MD, PhD, and Shinsmon Jose, PhD, a research assistant professor whose immunology and host-pathogen interactions studies have centered on Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), and particular emphasis on neutrophil biology and mucosal immunity.

ALSO SEE:
“DOM Monthly Research Meetings launch with focus on cardiovascular disease” | Posted April 3, 2026
“Metabolic health focus of latest SOAR in DOM Forum” | Feb. 18, 2026
“From ‘army brat’ to ID chief, Rajat Madan, MD, PhD, takes on superbugs at U of A” | Posted Dec. 19, 2025

(Photos courtesy of David Mogollon, DOM communications manager)

For additional photos from the gathering, click here.

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