Project Overview

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the capacity to differentiate into every cell type in the body, and therefore can theoretically be used to generate cells and tissues to cure a variety of diseases. Our client in the Odorico Lab (Department of Surgery) has derived foregut-committed cell lines from ESCs (which correspond to progenitor cells of the gut region that develops primarily into pancreas) and would like to differentiate these ESCs into insulin-producing pancreatic beta-like cells. These cells could replace or supplement transplanted donor beta cells. The mechanisms required to differentiate ESCs into these pancreatic cells is currently unknown, and this device would aid in researching such mechanisms. Our client would like to test a large number of growth factors for their ability to affect conversion of these precursor cells to mature insulin-secreting cells. In addition, a recapitulation of the 3-dimentional embryonic environment to prompt cells to adopt a pancreatic cell fate, perhaps using a Matrigel substrate, is desirable. A small scale cell culture using microfluidics to set up growth factor gradients is one approach that could be successful.

Files

• Midsemester Presentation (October 18, 2007)
• Final Poster (December 6, 2007)
• Final PDS (December 11, 2007)
• Final Paper (December 12, 2007)
• Poster Presentation Powerpoint (December 12, 2007)

Contact Information

Team Members

• Kyle Herzog - Team Leader
• Dhaval Desai - Communicator
• Tim Pearce - BSAC
• Jonathan Baran - BWIG

Advisor and Client

• Prof. Naomi Chesler - Advisor
• Victoria Browning - Client
• Brenda Kahan - Alternate Contact

Related Projects

• Spring 2008: Device to Differentiate Stem Cells
• Fall 2007: Device to Monitor/Control Differentiation of Stem Cells