This method collection is aimed to provide detailed state-of-the-art protocols for the study of pancreatic development, homeostasis, and malignant progression in mice and humans, in vivo, or other 3D contexts recapitulating physiological conditions.  

With the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus and aggressiveness of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) disease, the research of the development, homeostasis, and aberrant growth of the pancreas remains intense. Although the molecular regulators of cell specification and plasticity of pancreatic cells have been studied, the spatiotemporal and multifactorial understanding of events during development and malignant disease in a physiological context is of key importance. In particular, in recent years new methods have been developed pertaining to in vivo assays, analysis and cultivation of mouse and human tissues, and the use of 3D systems that mirror many of the implicated factors, such as molecular, epigenetic, microenvironmental, and mechanical players. Importantly, the novel methods often extend beyond the valuable preclinical mouse models, and also include the experimental exploitation of patient material. Such methods will enable the elucidation of the mechanism regulating pancreatic development and carcinogenesis, taking into account the complexity and multifactorial nature of these phenomena. This will enable the identification of potential therapeutic targets to treat the debilitating diseases of PDAC and diabetes.  

We welcome the submission of protocols that include but are not limited to: organoid research; lineage tracing and cell tracking; genetic, epigenetic, mechanical manipulation of various 3D systems; methods of analysis and cultivation of tissues; clearance methods of the pancreas; whole-mount staining and preparation protocols that delineate the structure and function of pancreas.