Investigating the role of neurotransmitters in pancreatic development and islet cell function by simultaneous and continuous high-sensitivity neurotransmitter sensing and 4D bioimaging

In this PhD project, I will investigate the interactions between neurons and epithelial cells during endocrinogenesis in mouse embryonic pancreas cultures, and the release of neurotransmitters from islet cell cultures grown under different glycemic conditions, mimicking diabetes. I will combine nanoscience, chemistry, biology, and endocrinology to establish a novel method for simultaneous neurotransmitter sensing and 4D imaging (x, y, z & time) in live tissues and cells. My goal is to determine which neurotransmitters are crucial for the communication between the nervous system and pancreas during development.