Influence of bFGF on the cell plasticity of the endocrine pancreas

Current studies point to a previously underestimated plasticity of the endocrine pancreas. This means that the cells of the endocrine pancreas are to a certain extent capable of changing their cell type. It is speculated that the cells can dedifferentiate, i.e. be returned to a less specialized state, or transdifferentiate, i.e. be converted from one differentiated cell type to another . To what extent and how such processes take place is still unclear.

In this project, we want to use stem cell-derived endocrine cells to investigate the role of the growth factor bFGF in the context of plastic processes of the endocrine pancreas. What is the function of bFGF in the development of endocrine cells? Can the bFGF-induced effects be used to specifically alter the functions of endocrine cells? And what role does bFGF play in the loss of function of beta cells in the development of diabetes mellitus? We hope that the answers to these questions will help us to better understand the development of endocrine cells and plastic processes, and to identify new pathological mechanisms that lead to the development of diabetes mellitus.

Cooperation partners: Prof. Simona Chera (University of Bergen, Norway), Dr. Matthias Becker (University of Würzburg, Germany)

Project duration: 2023 - 2024