pancreas Archives
Pseudoislet system expected to advance pancreas and diabetes research
Jul. 30, 2020—The multicellular, 3-D structure of human pancreatic islets — the areas of the pancreas containing hormone-producing or endocrine cells — has presented challenges to researchers as they study and manipulate these cells’ function, but Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers have now developed a pseudoislet system that allows for much easier study of islet function.
Keeping beta cells “fit”
Jul. 9, 2020—Vanderbilt cell biologists are defining the factors that help beta cells in the pancreas stay healthy, secrete insulin and prevent diabetes initiation and progression.
Study expands insight on shrinking pancreas in type 1 diabetes
Apr. 25, 2019—Researchers with the Vanderbilt Diabetes Research and Training Center (DRTC) have discovered a progressive decline in pancreas volume over a one-year period in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes.
Building a pancreas
Jan. 17, 2019—Vanderbilt investigators are defining the genetic programs that control the development of pancreatic beta cells — studies that could inform new cellular or regenerative therapies for diabetes.
Patient’s freak pancreas injury spurs rapid response
Sep. 14, 2017—Macie Glover sprinted across the gym floor at school earlier this year, tripped and crashed into a wall. In a bizzare sequence of events, she hit her head and arm and scraped her knees as the force of the crash propelled her whole body arching backward into a crescent shape.
Making human beta cells reproduce
Dec. 8, 2016—A new method developed at Vanderbilt will speed the search for potential therapeutics for diabetes: compounds that stimulate the replication of insulin-producing beta cells.
Fighting type 2 diabetes with FGF1
Nov. 18, 2015—The growth factor FGF1 induces the growth of new insulin-producing beta cells and may help treat type 2 diabetes.
CaMKII enhances insulin secretion
May. 14, 2014—The protein CaMKII acts as a calcium sensor in a positive feedback pathway that enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.
Searching for beta cell stimulators
Jan. 13, 2014—Vanderbilt researchers describe a new technique for identifying factors that stimulate the proliferation of pancreatic beta cells – factors that might offer therapeutic options for diabetes.
Pancreas cells full of potential
Feb. 18, 2013—Adult cells in the pancreas can return to a less mature state – and then become a different cell type, like the beta cells that secrete insulin.
Study helps define pancreatic cancer’s cellular origins
Jan. 17, 2013—Vanderbilt and University of California investigators have discovered the “cell of origin” for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a finding that could lead to early detection methods and new treatments.
Pumping up the pancreas in pregnancy
Jan. 20, 2012—A strain of mutant mice provide a novel model for studying glucose intolerance and gestational diabetes during pregnancy and suggest that certain molecules may be useful for therapeutic applications.
