Endocrine cell differentiation and function

Our research

Diabetes results from loss or dysfunction of insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas. Despite insulin injection treatment, diabetic patients suffer from long-term complications, such as blindness and kidney failure. Therefore, a central goal of diabetes research is to regenerate pancreatic beta cells or produce large numbers of functional beta cells for transplantation into diabetic patients. 

The successful generation of beta cells in vitro and regeneration of pancreatic beta cells in vivo will require a thorough understanding of the pathways that direct the normal development and function of these cells.  

Aims

• To understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control beta cell maturation and function in the embryonic and adult pancreas. 
• To use this knowledge to improve beta cell differentiation protocols.

Impact 

Beta cell replacement therapy is the only available cure for type 1 diabetes. Unfortunately, donor material is scarce and large efforts are made to develop beta cells from stem cells. Understanding the mechanisms underlying embryonic beta cell development will be a prerequisite for the development of a universally available cell replacement therapy in diabetes.

Research output

Link to a list of research output by the group in Lund University’s research portal

Team members

Link to a list of team members in Lund University’s research portal