Professor Andrew Hattersley, Peninsula Medical School, Exeter, UK

Andrew Hattersley is Professor of Molecular Medicine, and Director of the Division of Molecular Genetics, at the Peninsula Medical School, Exeter, UK. A central area of Professor Hattersley's work has been defining the molecular genetic basis of the monogenic subtype maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) and type 2 diabetes. He contributed to the definition of all the major etiological genes and clinical phenotypes in MODY and has collected the largest data set on MODY families worldwide. Professor Hattersley's clinical observations in MODY established the critical role of glucokinase and fetal genetics in fetal growth. This led to his genetically based fetal insulin hypothesis for the association of low birth weight with subsequent type 2 diabetes. He has performed key work to ensure that the advances in molecular genetics have benefited patient care. He established the first routine diagnostic genetic testing service and recently showed that genetic etiology alters treatment response.

 

 

Dr Lloyd Paul Aiello, Harvard University Faculty of Medicine, Boston, USA

Lloyd Aiello is Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the Harvard University Faculty of Medicine in Boston, USA. Dr Aiello's research interests lie in the field of retinal vascular disease, with special emphasis on the activity of growth factors in diabetic retinopathy. His work in this field has made a significant contribution to the future development of new treatment options for diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema and other ischemic retinal vascular disorders. He is also participating in ongoing genetic studies of diabetic retinopathy.