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Content archived on 2024-05-29

Identification and characterization of molecular markers of pancreatic Endocrine Progenitor Cells

Objective

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are derived from the inner cell mass (ICM) of blastocyst-embryo stage. The potential of ES cells to differentiate in all kind of tissues, opens the possibility for future promising approaches, as genetic therapy and/or cell replacement, to treat many diseases, including type1 diabetes. Although several scientific groups have reported the successful differentiation of mouse ES cells to insulin producing cells, the therapeutic benefits have yet to be achieved. Recently, in convincing experiments, it has been suggested for the first time that the adult pancreas contains “Endocrine Progenitor Cells (EPC)” that differentiate in beta cells. The lack of “signature genes”
is a main limitations to isolate and to culture pure populations of EPCs. Our study aims to find new molecular markers specific of beta cells progenitor cells. To systematically identify gene candidates as markers expressed in EPC, we will screen the enormous source of expression data from cDNA library and microarray public databases (like MIAMI, NCBI) of mouse ES cells differentiation toward insulin producing cells and definitive endoderm derivatives. The evaluation of such genes will prominently performed in vivo using various techniques (like in situ hybridization, immunostaining). To study the specification of EPCs and characterize in vitro plasticity, we aim to generate stable modified (knocked-in) mES cell lines reporting expression of new identified EPCs specific marker through GFP (green fluorescent protein). We aim to isolate EPCs homogeneous population both in vivo and in vitro by Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) and Laser Capture microdissection (LCM). RNA obtained from such cells will be amplified and hybridized to Affymetrix mouse gene chip MOE430_2 to conduct a comprehensive portrait of the transcriptional profile of EPCs. Our research will provide valuable information on EPCs biology and on basic phenomena about definitive endoderm development.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Call for proposal

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FP7-PEOPLE-IRG-2008
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MC-IRG - International Re-integration Grants (IRG)

Coordinator

BIOGEM scarl
EU contribution
€ 100 000,00
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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