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David A D'Alessio

Lindquist Presidential Distinguished Chair
Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition
DUMC Box 104775, Durham, NC 27710
300 North Duke Street, Durham, NC 27701

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Lindquist Presidential Distinguished Chair · 2024 - Present Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Medicine
Professor of Medicine · 2015 - Present Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Medicine
Chief, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism · 2014 - Present Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Medicine
Member of Duke Molecular Physiology Institute · 2014 - Present Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published May 18, 2022
University Awards 24 New Distinguished Professorships

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Recent Publications


α cells use both PC1/3 and PC2 to process proglucagon peptides and control insulin secretion.

Journal Article Sci Adv · September 19, 2025 α cells secrete proglucagon peptides to regulate nutrient metabolism. Recent findings support an α cell-to-β cell axis that is mediated by paracrine signaling through the glucagon receptor and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor in β cells. To address ... Full text Link to item Cite

β Cell Gαs signaling is critical for physiological and pharmacological enhancement of insulin secretion.

Journal Article J Clin Invest · August 15, 2025 The incretin peptides glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors coordinate β cell secretion that is proportional to nutrient intake. This effect permits consistent and restricted glucose excursions across a range of ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Metabolic Actions of Glucagon

ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030

Endocrinology and Metabolism Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2024 - 2029

Alpha- to Beta-Cell Communication in Health and Disease

ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2024 - 2029

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of Wisconsin, Madison · 1983 M.D.