The influence of TGF-ß family growth factors on regeneration and fibrosis of chronic pancreatitis.

• Applicant: Dr. Juliane Glaubitz
• Subject Area: Gastroenterology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 508168905

Chronic pancreatitis develops from continuous inflammation of the pancreas. This ongoing inflammatory process leads to irreversible destruction of exocrine and endocrine pancreatic tissue, which is replaced by fibrotic tissue. Cells of the immune system direct the tissue remodeling by migrating or being activated into the inflamed pancreatic tissue, recruiting and activating fibroblasts and pancreatic stellate cells via the release of cytokines and growth factors. The focus of previous studies was to characterize the activation of fibroblasts and pancreatic stellate cells. It can be assumed that the released growth factors not only control the fibrosis of the pancreas but simultaneously influence the regeneration process of pancreatic acinar cells. The regulatory relationship between activation of fibroblasts and regeneration of acinar cells is therefore an innovative research approach and will be investigated in more detail in this project. Based on an identification of cellular sources of growth factors of the TGF-ß family as well as their receptors in fibrotic pancreatic tissue, the effect and signal transduction in pancreatic acinar cells will also be specifically investigated. In a mouse model of chronic pancreatitis, inhibition of fibroblast activation will favor acinar cell regeneration over fibrosis. The results of this research project could make a significant contribution to the development of a therapeutic approach that limits the progression of chronic pancreatitis.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigators: Kathrin Gladrow; Privatdozent Dr. Matthias Sendler; Dr. Frank Ulrich Weiss