His laboratory has developed novel molecular tools and applied them to study β-cell biology and to improve the outcome of islet transplantation such as the development and utilization of protein transduction (PT) technology, a method that utilizes small protein transduction domains (PTDs), to deliver proteins into cells.

Dr. Pastori has an extensive track record in the study of small RNA molecules, and made early contributions characterizing miRNA signatures in adult islet biology and human developing pancreas and studied their role in beta-cells. Dr. Pastori is currently collaborating with the DRI Immunogenetics Program to identify novel circulating microRNA biomarkers for prediction of type 1 diabetes.

Dr. Pastori also shares the leadership of a multidisciplinary reprogramming project at the DRI to develop a regenerative medicine therapy consisting in endogenous beta-cell regeneration for patients with diabetes.