In a new series, the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center (UCDC), a leader in the field of diabetes research, will highlight its dynamic faculty and trainees.
The UCDC has members from across several schools and departments at UAB. Diabetes research capabilities are made stronger by the diverse research focuses and innovations that members bring to the table. To better understand these research capabilities and discoveries, we will spotlight UCDC researchers throughout the year.

This month, we are spotlighting Samuel Poole, researcher IV in the lab of Chad Hunter, Ph.D., at the Comprehensive Diabetes Center (UCDC).

Tell us a little bit about you and your role at the UCDC.

"My name is Sam Poole, and I’m a researcher in Dr. Chad Hunter’s lab. I was born in Columbus, Georgia and raised in Mountain Brook, Alabama. From an early age I was fascinated by nature and wanted to make a career out of it. I entered college with the goal of pursing a job in field biology. I instead fell in love with cellular biology and genetics. I earned a BS in Biology and BS in Chemistry at the University of Montevallo. After I graduated, I found myself in an Alzheimer’s research lab and came to realize I really love bench work. The lab ended up moving to a different state, and I decided I wanted to stay at UAB and joined the UCDC.

My general role is that of a researcher and lab manager. I contribute to the day-to-day operations of the lab, ensure that things run smoothly, and that everyone (especially the mice) are taken care of."

What first got you interested in diabetes research?

"There wasn’t one major thing that got me interested in diabetes research, I was more or less nudged in that direction. I started my research career in an Alzheimer’s lab and one of the projects I worked on was interested in the link between Alzheimer’s and diabetes, so called Type 3 diabetes. This gave me an initial interest and when the lab relocated, I decided I would like to learn more about diabetes and joined Chad’s lab."

Tell us a little bit about your lab’s research.

"We utilize in vitro molecular biology and biochemical approaches plus in vivo mouse knockout strategies to determine the function of pancreatic islet-enriched transcriptional regulators. We are currently interested in the endocrine LIM-Homeodomain class Islet-1 transcription factor and its interactions with a critical co-regulator called Ldb1.

We have shown that these factors are required for beta- and alpha-cell development and function. We are also elucidating additional factors acting with this transcriptional complex to impact beta- and alpha-cells, for example a histone modifier complex of Rnf20 and Rnf40, which are involved in epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Our overall hypothesis is that complexes mediated by the Ldb1 co-regulator are required for all phases of pancreatic islet development, as well as in maintaining adult islet cell function.

Recently, the lab resubmitted an R01 and received a very competitive percentile score. Tanya Pierre, a PhD student in the lab, was recently awarded an F31 grant. Both Deeba and Kristen (two other PhD students in the lab) passed their qualifying exam last winter."

What does it mean to be a lab manager, and how does it feel contributing to the UCDC’s mission?

"Being a lab manager means I provide crucial support and relief to the lab. I feel honored to be able to contribute to UCDC’s mission to provide top of the line research and breakthroughs that will eventually enhance the lives of people who suffer from diabetes."

What are your hobbies and interests outside of the center?

"I enjoy hiking around Ruffner, Cheaha, and Red Mountain. Most weekends I’m down at a rifle range with some buddies.

As of recent, I took a month-long trip to Japan and stayed in a variety of places. The trip started in Sapporo and from there I road tripped all over the northern island, Hokkaido, to places like Mount Asahidake, Kushiro Marsh and Abashiri. I then moved down to Tokyo to try exquisite cuisines like fugu and attempted to get lost in Akihabara. From Tokyo, I moved west to Seifu-so Yudanaka to immerse myself in a Meiji era guesthouse frequently visited by very well-behaved snow monkeys. Finally, I ended the trip in Kyoto to explore Japan’s history by visiting many palaces, castle, and temples. I also made a note to explore Japanese natural history in Fukui."