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Diabetes and islet neogenesis

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Title	Diabetes and islet neogenesis
Period	01 / 2009 - 01 / 2014
Status	Current
Research number	OND1334738
Data Supplier	Website Diabetesfonds

Abstract

Beta cell replacement therapy (pancreas or islet transplantation) is a treatment option to achieve normoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes. However, future implementation for larger groups of patients is hampered by the lack of donor organs. We explore the possibility to use human adult pancreatic progenitor cells as alternative sources for beta-cell therapy. Islet progenitor cells are obtained from human islet-depleted pancreas and a 3-dimensional culture system has been established which allows the outgrowth and expansion of progenitors. With specific differentiation signals we aim to direct islet progenitors into a beta-cell phenotype. Part of this differentiation process is likely to occur In vivo. We test this by transplanting progenitors under the kidney capsule of diabetic mice. Our research questions are: Can we identify the stem/progenitor cell population in adult human pancreas? Can we isolate and culture these progenitors to create a potential unlimited cell source for beta-cell generation? Can we efficiently direct the cells (in vitro and/or in vivo) to insulin-producing cells. And can we restore normoglycemia in diabetic mice using these progenitors?

Abstract (NL)

Verschillende vooraanstaande wetenschappers werken samen om eilandjestransplantatie verbeteren door een soort verpakking ( matrix') voor de eilandjes te maken. Deze matrix bestaat uit natuurlijke materialen en kan eenvoudig worden geïmplanteerd en desnoods ook weer worden verwijderd. Ook allerlei eiwitten, geneesmiddelen en andere ondersteunende cellen worden aan de matrix toegevoegd, met de bedoeling de eilandjes zo goed mogelijk te laten werken en overleven. Een matrix is daarnaast ook veelbelovend voor toekomstig gebruik van stamcellen om patiënten met lang bestaande diabetes type 1 te genezen.

Related organisations

Secretariat	Hubrecht Institute (KNAW)
Collaboration	Department of Nephrology (UL)
Financier	Dutch Diabetes Research Foundation

Related people

Project leader	Prof.dr. E.J.P. de Koning