solimena group
Anja Steffen
PhD project Anja
Differences of small and large Islets of Langerhans Pancreatic islet transplantation has evolved into a relevant treatment option for patients with type 1 diabetes. The size composition of human islet preparations has been attributed to functional potency, islet survival and transplantation outcomes. Recent studies demonstrated that smaller islets display greater O2 consumption and insulin secretion rates than larger islets. In addition, it has been reported that islets with smaller diameter are superior to larger islets during the early engraftment period, presumably due to the better gas exchange (O2, CO2) as a consequence of the shorter diffusion distance.The aim of this project is to further characterize islets of different sizes. Therefore islets are first sorted in groups larger and smaller than 150µm using COPAS (Complex Object Parametric Analysis and Sorting) technology. Afterwards further investigations regarding biosynthesis of proinsulin, conversion to insulin, exocytosis and gene expression will be performed.
Anja is also a member of the Human Islet Transplantation Program.
Contact details:
anja.steffen {at} tu-dresden.de
+49 (0)3 51 79 63 66 15