Skip to main content
Matthias Tunger Photodesign

Helmholtz Diabetes Center Institute of Translational Stem Cell Research (ITS)

The Institute of Translational Stem Cell Research (ITS) has an ambitious goal to develop a new advanced cell therapy to carry out clinical studies in type 1 diabetes patients.

The Institute of Translational Stem Cell Research (ITS) has an ambitious goal to develop a new advanced cell therapy to carry out clinical studies in type 1 diabetes patients.

About our Research

Research Concept

Basic science forms the foundations of most, if not all medical breakthroughs. To appreciate what goes awry in disease, we must fully understand how cells function in periods of homeostasis. In many epithelial organs, including the pancreas, tissue morphogenesis is inextricably tied to cell fate decisions. In our lab, we aim to understand the connection between epithelial architecture and the commitment of pancreatic progenitor cells to mature endocrine cells. We believe that to understand this process in a physiologically relevant manner, we must integrate findings from mouse and human pancreatic epithelia. Discoveries from our research are incredibly important for improving differentiation protocols that aim to provide functional, glucose-responsive beta cells for use in diabetes cellular therapies.

Read more about ITS

Scientists at ITS

Ivan Kulik

Adam Rump

Yilin Di

PhD Student

Dr. Chenglei Tian

Postdoc

Benoîte Champon

Research Technician

Dr. Minodora Brimpari

Scientific Project Manager

Ana Toman Fabjan

Team Assistant

Dr. Judith Birkhoff

Postdoc

Patricia Velado

PhD Student

Selected Publications

Networks and Affiliations

Contact

Ana Toman Fabjan

Team Assistant

Building/Room: 36.20 /004a