Dr. Swain’s research interest is in utilizing the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system to study type 2 diabetes. Specifically, the focus is on how the loss of endocytic function results in aberrant glucose homeostasis through the deregulation of glucose transporter localization/function. Data shows that the BAR domain protein Rvs161 is required for proper transporter localization and function. Recent reviews describe BAR domain containing proteins as curvature inducing/stabilizing proteins essential for affecting a wide variety of membrane remodeling processes, including endocytosis. Endocytosis and degradation of transporters is critically important in maintaining glucose homeostasis in yeast as well as mammals. Yeast also share similar components of glucose signaling and glucose transporter pathways with mammalian counterparts, making yeast a useful model system for studies of glucose transporter biology. Yeast strains lacking the RVS161 gene fail to grow under conditions of glucose limitation and harbor endocytosis defects. Recent data indicates that overexpression of specific glucose transporters can suppress this defect. Additionally, data suggests that glucose transporter interactions are required for proper transporter function.
