Self-adjusting pancreatic tissue grown from a patient's own cells
Genetically Programmed Pancreatic Organoids with Self-Adaptive Multi-Lineage Population Control
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · NIH-11168766
This project builds lab-grown pancreatic tissue from patient cells that automatically balance their different cell types to more closely resemble a real pancreas for people with pancreatic conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11168766 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers reprogram patient skin or blood cells into stem cells and grow them into 3D pancreatic organoids. They add engineered genetic 'controllers' that guide which cell types form and when, reducing reliance on external growth chemicals. The controllers use feedback-like designs so the tissue can self-correct cell ratios and timing during development. The team aims to produce more mature, consistent pancreatic tissue useful for testing therapies and studying disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults willing to donate skin or blood samples for reprogramming into iPSCs, especially those with pancreatic disease or related conditions, would be ideal candidates to contribute samples.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment or unwilling to provide tissue samples are unlikely to benefit directly from participation in this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide more realistic pancreatic tissue for testing treatments, improving disease models and informing future cell-based therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous organoid work has shown promise and the investigators have demonstrated genetic programming in liver organoids, but self-adaptive genetic control of pancreatic organoids is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY — CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WEISS, RON — MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- Study coordinator: WEISS, RON
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.