Pancreas biology – Amanda Andersson Rolf's Group

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Publications

All publications from group members

Research Focus

Can understanding how cell identity is regulated in development help us promote regeneration and prevent disease?

To ensure health and longevity, organ homeostasis and regeneration is crucial. This is dependent on each cell having the correct identity. Failure of establishment or perturbation of cell identity can result in developmental defects, disease, and impaired regenerative capacity1. Therefore, molecular processes within the cell, interactions between cells, and the overall organisation of the tissue tightly regulate cell identity. Being able to control cell identity has translational potential as it can facilitate post-injury organ regeneration. This is particularly relevant for organs exhibiting limited turnover and regenerative capacity like the pancreas2.                

Unlike the adult pancreas, the foetal pancreas is able to regenerate. This is due to the presence of stem and progenitor cells. Stem cells with a tripotent identity play a central role in development and their trilineage differentiation capacity is also the foundation of their therapeutic potential for holistic organ regeneration. In adulthood the lack of stem cells with a tripotent identity coincides with loss of regenerative capacity1,23. Moreover, recent next generation sequencing studies have shown that in the injured adult pancreas, some adult cells can reactive a ‘foetal-like’ identity12,24,25. However, although these ‘foetal-like’ cells drive adult regeneration they cells are not as potent as their developmental counterpart and are unable to fully restore the organ.                                   

Projects

Our goal is to elucidate the fundamental principles underlying cell identity establishment and maintenance, and how these mechanisms can be used to promote regeneration and prevent disease We use an interdisciplinary approach integrating pancreas and stomach organoid technology with (spatial) omics and genome- and bioengineering.

Our current projects are motivated by the following fundamental questions:

  • How is tripotent stem cell identity established and maintained during development
  • How are pancreas stem cell identity and diversity influenced by developmental niches?
  • How can we reactivate tripotent stem cell identity in adult pancreatic cells

 

Open positions

Joining the lab

We are currently looking for new colleagues to join us our group as a postdoctoral researcher, PhD student, Master’s student, or Lab Manager. 

We value curiosity and enthusiasm to engage in collaborations. As our research is highly interdisciplinary, we welcome talented applicants from diverse backgrounds, including stem cell and developmental biology, biochemistry, bioengineering and computer science to join our team.

PhD students and Postdoctoral researchers 

Please contact Amanda Andersson Rolf directly by email and include: 

  • Cover letter containing a
    • A description of your research interests
    • Motivation for the joining the lab
  • CV
  • Contact details for three references.

Postdoctoral applicants are encouraged to provide suggestions of project ideas and to and to proactively participate in developing research directions.

Research assistants and Master’s students seeking internship opportunities

Please email Amanda Andersson Rolf with a 

  • Short description of your research interests
  • Motivation for the joining the lab
  • CV
  • Duration of the internship (master students)
  • Contact details for three references.