Dr. Yang recently demonstrated that autophagy is an important means of regulating hepatic glucose metabolism and insulin signaling, and that loss of an autophagy response contributes significantly to defects in ER function in certain forms of diabetes. Her group is identifying the physiological causes of defective hepatic autophagy and defining the molecular mechanisms underlying the control of energy homeostasis and hepatic glucose metabolism by autophagy. Dr. Yang continues to add significant strengths to the Center’s strengths in areas of CF-associated hepatic disease and diabetes and is now collaborating to pursue novel therapeutic strategies for CF pancreatic disease with Dr. Ryan.