Embryogenesis and neogenesis of the endocrine pancreas. The role of c-met,c-kit and nestin positive cells

PhD ceremony: mw. S.T. Gangaram-Panday, 11.00 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Thesis: Embryogenesis and neogenesis of the endocrine pancreas. The role of c-met,c-kit and nestin positive cells

Promotor(s): prof.dr. L.F.H.M. de Leij

Faculty: Medical Sciences

Contact: UMCG spokesperson, tel. +3150-361 2200, e-mail: voorlichting bvl.umcg.nl

The present study was undertaken to study the expression of nestin, c-met and c-kit in the embryogenesis and the development and growth of the adult pancreas. The rationality for doing these studies was that these proteins were included in the development of the pancreas and of other organ structure and some of them had even been proposed to be present on precursor cells. Therefore we have performed a few experiments to elucidate the role of these proteins.

We have found that heterogenous populations of c-met and c-kit positive cells may contain some cells that may have curative effects and could differentiate into beta-cells.