Hypoparathyroidism is an endocrine disorder characterized by insufficient production of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Our aim is to differentiate parathyroid hormone producing cells from induced pluripotent stem cells, which could provide a platform to study causes leading to parathyroid disorders.
Impact
Poorly controlled hypoparathyroidism results in diverse symptoms, from tingling to depression, and carries risks of long-term complications such as cardiovascular disease and there is a reduced life expectancy. In addition to studying the mechanisms underlying hypoparathyroidism, PTH-producing cells might also provide a novel cell replacement therapy for patients with hypoparathyroidism that do not respond to conventional treatment.
reNEW research
Our protocol closely follows the embryonic development trajectory. In this multi-step differentiation protocol we are starting to see the early gene expression profiles of parathyroid producing cells.
Image description
The early beginnings of parathyroid development highlighted by the structural alignment of differentiating stem cells and expression of a key transcription factor.
Credits
Cyriel Olie, PostDoc, Carlotti and de Koning, Islet lab, reNEW Leiden.
