Pancreatic Research Group

A/Prof Minoti Apte

The research interests of the Pancreatic Research Group are predominantly related to acute and chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and, more recently, have expanded to include the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer. Work to date by the Group has made novel contributions to the understanding of the mechanisms responsible for alcohol-induced pancreatitis. We have demonstrated that alcohol is metabolised by the pancreas and that toxic effects of the metabolites of alcohol on subcellular organelles predispose the gland to autodigestive injury.
More recently, the Group’s seminal studies have related to pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) - the cells responsible for pancreatic fibrosis which is a hallmark of chronic pancreatitis. These studies have placed the Group firmly at the forefront of research in the area of fibrogenesis. Recently, we have published a novel orthotopic model of pancreatic cancer in nude mice produced by injection of a mixture of pancreatic cancer cells and stromal cells (PSCs). This model exhibits both major features of human pancreatic cancer i.e. tumour elements and desmoplasia, and is the first model to closely simulate the clinical condition. The Group has been awarded a project grant by the NSW Cancer Council (after being peer-reviewed through the NHMRC granting process).