SCOG Virtual Lecture Series - Heiko Lickert (Helmholtz Munich)

‘Deciphering mechanisms of beta cell development and regeneration’

The lack or dysfunction of insulin-producing ß-cells is the cause of type I or type II diabetes, respectively. The primary objective of the Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research (IDR) at the Helmholtz Zentrum München is to develop regenerative therapeutic approaches to treat diabetes mellitus – complementary and alternative to the classical immunological and metabolic therapy strategies.

In vitro generation of ß-cells from pluripotent stem cells for cell-replacement therapy or triggering endogenous mechanisms of ß-cell repair have great potential in the field of regenerative medicine. Both approaches rely on a thorough understanding of ß-cell development and homeostasis in pre-clinical models.

Therefore, the aim is to improve current strategies for functional ß-cell production in vitro with the ultimate goal to provide alternative sources of ß-cells for therapy. Additionally, we analyze and characterize the embryonic and adult pancreatic progenitor cells to understand ß-cell development, homeostasis and function for in vivo regeneration.

Biography:
Heiko Lickert obtained his PhD in Biology from the University of Freiburg and his PhD and Postdoctoral studies were carried out in the laboratory of Prof. Rolf Kemler at the Max Planck Institute in Freiburg and in the laboratory of Prof. Janet Rossant at the Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada.

Currently he is a W3 Professor and Chair of Beta Cell Biology in the Medical Faculty of the Technical University Munich, the Director of the Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research and Principal Investigator in the Institute of Stem Cell Research at the Helmholtz Center Munich. He is also in the Steering Committee of the Helmholtz Diabetes Center, the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus and in the Research Coordination Board of the German Center for Diabetes Research. His work has been funded by the European Research Council and an Emmy-Noether fellowship from the German Research Foundation.

More info: