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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R51407/01
Title: Islet Tissue Engineering: Using biomimetic templates to control pancreatic stem cell differentiation
Principal Investigator: Adams, Dr GG
Other Investigators:
Shakesheff, Professor K
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Sch of Community Health Sciences
Organisation: University of Nottingham
Scheme: Fast Stream
Starts: 07 January 2002 Ends: 06 April 2005 Value (£): 63,405
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Medical science & disease Tissue Engineering
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The presence of defective or absent endocrine beta cells, which can precipitate metabolic aberrations leading to both microvascular and macrovascular complications, have resulted in examining an alternative and innovative approach to the potential treatment of diabetes mellitus. There is a considerable need for the successful growth and development of pancreatic cells. Recent developments in adult ductal progenitor cells in their in vitro development and differentiation stages into islet-cell endocrine cells have been documented. Despite such studies, however, the limitations of manipulating adult islet cells are apparent. The technique of rat pancreatic islets of Langerhans isolation, which is routinely performed at Nottingham, will be utilised to harvest neonatal pancreata. The development and differentiation of these neonatal pancreatic stem cells (NPSC) will be examined in terms of their ability to express pancreatic islet hormones and transcription factors. The NPSCs will be encouraged to organise into complex threedimensional architectures utilising biomimetic templates and once growth conditions have been optimised for the expression of insulin, cells will be assessed for insulin release in response to glucose challenges. Insulin content will be examined using radio-immunoassay techniques.Keywords: Biomolecular recognition, Biomimetic technology, Pancreatic Stem Cells, Transcription factors, Pancreata.
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk