Dissecting stromal-epithelial interactions in the adult exocrine pancreas

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This proposal describes a five year integrated mentored training program for the development of an academic basic science research career in pancreatology. The Principal Investigator has completed a clinical fellowship in Gastroenterology and seeks to build on his existing research experience and skills to become a successful independent investigator in an area of research that requires additional multi-disciplinary training. The Investigator will acquire a unique skill set to study stromal-epithelial interactions in pancreatic disease. While recognized to be important to our understanding of adult pancreatic diseases, such as pancreatitis and preneoplasia, little is known regarding crosstalk between the stroma and epithelium. To dissect this phenomenon, the Investigator will integrate concepts from pancreas development and stem cell biology through formal coursework, mastering of relevent [sic] techincal [sic] skills, and mentorship by experts in these fields. The Investigator has identified two renowned physician-scientists to aid in the acquisition of this expertise and in his professional development. Dr. Ben Stanger, a well-trained physician-scientist, is an authority in pancreas development and the study of developmental signaling pathways using genetic mouse models. Dr. Anil Rustgi, Chief of Gastroenterology at the University of Pennsylvania, is renowned for his work in the application of developmental principles to the understanding of gastrointestinal diseases, including cancer. Additionally, an advisory committee comprised of respected NIH-funded investigators has been formed to provide scientific and professional guidance. With the mentorship of these qualified individuals, a research program dissecting stromal-epithelial interactions in the adult pancreas will be established. For the past two years, the Investigator has developed techinques [sic] to study primary pancreatic myofibroblasts and epithelial cells from novel mouse models of pancreatic disease. Using these methods, myofibroblasts, a major component of the pancreatic stroma, were shown to facilitate the dedifferentiation and proliferation of pancreas epithelial cells in co-culture. Conversely, epithelial cells produced phenotypic [sic] changes in co-cultured myofibroblasts. Pharmacologic inhibition of the Notch and Hedgehog pathways augmented these effects. Since these inhibitors are known to affect other pathways, the proposed experiments will determine the nature and contribution of Notch and Hedgehog signaling in mediating stromal-epithelial interactions using novel genetic approaches in vitro and in vivo. The combined resources available to the Investigator at the University of Pennsylvania, including the NIDDK-funded Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases, will provide an environment conducive to the completion of the training component of this grant, execution of the proposed research program, and development of a unique line of investigation in pancreatology that will serve as a springboard for the Investigator's career as an independent physician-scientist.