Probing cellular heterogeneity in the pancreatic microenvironment

The pancreas is a complex organ comprised of a mixture of various cell types, including epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Pancreatic epithelial cells control vital functions, such as food digestion and regulation of blood sugar levels through insulin-producing cells. The pancreas is the target of incurable diseases: diabetes and pancreatic cancer. The crosstalk between pancreatic epithelial cells and the surrounding mesenchymal cells is fundamental for the organ formation and its functions. We previously discovered a high degree of heterogeneity within pancreatic mesenchymal cells. This proposal aims at answering the question whether this heterogeneity corresponds to functional diversity. We will address if mesenchymal cells at distinct locations create unique microenvironments that promote the formation and function of the adjacent pancreatic cell type. All findings obtained in the mouse will be validated and transposed onto human models. This will pave the way towards new possibilities of engineering functional pancreatic cells for biomedical applications.