GROWBETA: Generation and functional characterization of neuroendocrine cells for cellular replacement therapy

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 01.0260

Key words (English)

Neuroendocrine celles;
Life Sciences; Medicine; Health; Scientific Research

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: QLG1-CT-2001-02233

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.1.8 Generic R&D activities

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Coordinator: Max Planck Institut, Göttingen (D)

Abstract (English)

New insights into the molecular biology of signals, which control cellular function and differentiation, open novel approaches towards treatment of degenerative diseases. Diabetes mellitus is a prototype of such a disease, characterised either by a complete loss of the insulin producing B-cells or by impaired regulation of secretion. We want to combine the expertise of developmental biologists, neuroscientists, and cell biologists, to provide basic knowledge on how precursor cells can be induced to develop a secretory phenotype. Next, we want to study, how such cells are influenced in their function by a set of signals, which is shared by neurons and endocrine cells. Regarding diabetes, the challenge for cellular replacement therapy is not only to grow islet-like tissue, but also to achieve the uninterrupted control of blood glucose levels. The simplicity of islets should provide a testing ground for general strategies

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 01.0260