Protein phosphorylation is a signalling mechanism that regulates most aspects of cellular life, and protein kinases, which carry out this post-translational modification, constitute the largest family of enzymes encoded by the human genome. Defects in signal transduction is a mechanism contributing to the development of both cancer and diabetes. Increased knowledge about protein kinase signalling is thus needed to prevent and treat these diseases.

An overall aim of our research is to study the regulation and function of protein phosphorylation cascades with relevance to type 2 diabetes, with a particular focus on adipose tissue, since this tissue is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Presently, our main project evolves around the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family, which consists of AMPK and another 12 related kinases, of which we are particularly interested in the salt-inducible kinases (SIK) 1-3. We have shown that SIK2 is down-regulated in adipose tissue from obese individuals and are currently investigating the role of SIK2 in the development of diabetes. AMPK is a target for new and existing diabetes therapy, and our research will predict effects of such therapy in adipose tissue. 

After several years of leading, developing and organizing courses at the Biomedical and Medical Programs, I am now mainly involved in executing teaching at the Medical Program, where I serve as a PBL tutor in the courses Knowledge and learning and Molecule to tissue (1st semester). I’m also highly engaged in the examination of these courses.

At the research level I'm responsible for the compulsory PhD course Generic Knowledge and skills, which is taught and assessed through the completion of a portfolio. The purpose of this course is to give students the possibility to attain and demonstrate degree outcomes that are not directly linked to their thesis work.

Since January 2021 I have served as Vice head of the Department for Experimental Science, with special responsibility for PhD studies. I was deputy head between 2021 and 2023.

I regard external engagement important and rewarding and I have participated in several outreach activities, such as "Forskningens Dag 2015 - " and the NMT-days, where I lectured on the topics "How fat cells work" and "The fat cell - friend or foe?".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTbSP2Hdv68

http://www.vetenskaphalsa.se/hon-vill-forsta-hur-fetma-kan-leda-till-insulinresistens/