Beta cell transdifferentiation does not contribute to preneoplastic/metaplastic ductal lesions of the pancreas by genetic lineage tracing in vivo.

ABSTRACT: Inflammatory injury to the pancreas results in regeneration of normal tissue and formation of metaplastic lesions of a ductal phenotype. These metaplastic ductal lesions (MDL) are called tubular complexes (TC), mucinous metaplasia, or pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Because they are regularly found in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, their formation is thought to represent a step in inflammation-mediated carcinogenesis. Despite these lesions' ductal character, their origin is controversial. All known pancreatic cell lineages have been suggested as the origin. In vitro studies suggest that differentiated cells in the pancreas remain highly plastic and can transdifferentiate as a mechanism of regeneration and metaplasia. In vivo studies suggest that islets, specifically beta

SUBMITTER: Strobel O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1815470 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature