| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/N510099/1 |
| Title: |
Development of a 3D human in vitro model of pancreatic beta cell health |
| Principal Investigator: |
Yang, Dr J |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Sch of Pharmacy |
| Organisation: |
University of Nottingham |
| Scheme: |
Technology Programme |
| Starts: |
01 June 2017 |
Ends: |
31 May 2018 |
Value (£): |
111,974
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Healthcare |
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology |
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| Related Grants: |
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| Panel History: |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
Diabetes mellitus is a major health issue with ~390 million people affected worldwide (IDF Diabetes Atlas 6th edition,
2014). Most diabetics are type 2 (T2D), typically characterised by the loss of pancreatic beta cell function and beta cell
mass and peripheral insulin resistance. Whilst current therapies do provide some level of glycaemic control, they do not
prevent the debilitating long-term consequences of the disease. In the on-going search for better treatments, there is now a
real focus on strategies that aim to preserve the function of remaining beta cells or replenish beta cell mass.
To support this new focus of diabetes research, this project aims to develop a human 3D in vitro model of pancreatic beta
cell health / beta cell proliferation. No such commercial model currently exists. The model will be developed using native
human islets and Asterand Bioscience's (Asterand's) proprietary 3D cell culture platform. The consortium will then explore
whether a more sustainable cell source can be utilised (eg., iPSC-derived beta cells) and ultimately whether the
established model can be miniaturised using 3D printing. The 3D printing work is to achieve highly accurate spatial
dispensing of beta cells onto membranes in well plates that the currently commercial platform is based on. The effects of
dispensing conditions on cell viability and functions will be investigated to identify an optimal processing condition for
dispensing beta cells. In addition, how cell population influences cell function will be studied by dispensing cell samples
with different sizes. The proposed cell printing solution combined with technologies developed by two industrial partners will
create a unique manufacturing advantage allowing the production of off-the-shelf products for drug discovery.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk |