My laboratory uses Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology tools to decipher the mechanisms that underlie normal mammalian pancreas formation and pancreatic diseases, including diabetes and pancreatic cancer. In particular, we are focusing on the role of embryonic signaling pathways, including Hedgehog and Wnt signaling, during pancreas formation and function. We are using state of the art tools, including transgenic mice and small chemical compounds, to manipulate the activity of these pathways during pancreas formation and in mature tissue. The goal of these studies is to determine whether controlled activation and de-activation of embryonic signaling pathways permits a) to initiate the formation of insulin-producing ß-cells from uncommitted stem cell progenitors, e.g. embryonic and adult stem cells, and b) to prevent the formation and proliferation of pancreatic tumors. |
1. Kawahira, H., Tzanakakis, E., Ma, N., McMahon, A. P., Chuang, P.-T., and M. Hebrok (2003): Combined activities of Hedgehog signaling inhibitors regulate pancreas development. Development 130, 4871-4879.
2. Thayer, S. P., Pasca di Magliano, M., Heiser, P.W., Roberts, D. J., Nielsen, C. M., Lauwers, G. Y., Qi, Y.P., Gysin, S., Fernandez-del Castillo, F., Yajnik, V., Antoniu, B., McMahon, M., Warshaw, A. L., and M. Hebrok (2003): Hedgehog is an early and late mediator of pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis. Nature 425, 851 - 856.
3. Cano, D. A., Murcia, N. S., Pazour, G. J. and M. Hebrok (2004): Orpk mouse model of polycystic kidney disease reveals essential role of primary cilia in pancreatic tissue organization. Development 131, 3457-3467.
4. Heiser, P. W., Lau, J. Taketo, M., Herrera P., and M. Hebrok (2006): Stabilization of ß-catenin impacts pancreas growth. Development, 133, 2023-2032.
5. Pasca di Magliano, M. Sekine, S., Ermilov, A. Brown, J. Dlugosz, A.A., and M. Hebrok (2006): Hedgehog/Ras interactions regulate early stages of pancreatic cancer. Genes & Development, 20, 3161-3173.
information last updated February 2007 |
Biomedical Sciences (BMS) Graduate Program
