Research in the Means lab focuses on cell-cell signaling events that regulate early growth and differentiation of the embryonic pancreas. Specifically, the lab focuses on signaling through the growth factor receptor EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor). Means lab members have found that EGFR signaling regulates the survival and growth of both epithelium and mesenchyme, which must signal to each other for proper development.  They hypothesize that EGFR signaling is involved in this cross-talk between tissues. Additional studies also examine EGFR signaling in pancreatic disease where, again, epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are critical for development of the disease state. Furthermore, the lab has shown that EGFR signaling can induce mature pancreatic cells to be reprogrammed into different cell fates, possibly reiterating embryonic developmental events.

For more information about Dr. Means please visit her Vanderbilt Faculty Page

NEWEST PUBLICATIONS

Pancreatic epithelial plasticity mediated by acinar cell transdifferentiation and generation of nestin-positive intermediates.  Development (2005) 132: 3767-3776

Evidence for Repatterning of the Gastric Fundic Epithelium Associated With Ménétrier’s Disease and TGF? Overexpression.  Gastroenterology (2005) 128: 1292-1305

Keratin 19 gene drives Cre recombinase expression throughout the early postimplantation mouse embryo. genesis (2005) 42:23-27