Stem Cell Research

The basis of in vitro differentiations are cellular and molecular processes occurring during early embryonic development. In our group we focus on a better understanding, how these processes lead to lineage specification, growth control and maturation of pancreatic endocrine lineages in the mouse. These findings we translate in vitro into the culture dish using induced pluripotent human stem cells (hiPSC).

First using mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) then using human induced pluripotent stem (iPSCs) cells Dr. Burtscher and his team generated numerous fluorescent reporter lines. These stem cell reporter lines are being used to understand how beta- or other pancreatic endocrine cell lineage form and how these lineage decisions can be influenced. Furthermore, they explore beta cell maturation which is closely related to their function. Applying various stress models, they try to understand how beta cell survival and glucose dependent insulin secretion are affected and how they can be restored.

Our strength is the generation genetic mouse and human stem cell models including gene knock out models but also fluorescent reporter lines. These are exploited in combination with cutting edge imaging techniques as well as transcriptome analysis on a single cell level for better understanding of beta-cell biology. Our goal is to improve beta cell differentiation and function, provide platforms for disease modeling and drug screening and, as ultimate goal, help to overcome remaining hurdles for stem cell-derived beta cell replacement therapies in diabetic patients.