PankreasstellateZellen

PankreasstellateZellen, often abbreviated as PSCs, are a specific type of cell found in the pancreas. They are characterized by their stellate or star-like shape, from which they derive their name. These cells are crucial components of the pancreatic tissue and play a significant role in both normal pancreatic function and the development of pancreatic diseases.

In a healthy pancreas, pancreatic stellate cells are primarily quiescent, meaning they are in a resting state. In this quiescent state, they are involved in maintaining the extracellular matrix of the pancreas, a network of proteins and molecules that provides structural support to tissues. They are thought to contribute to the production and remodeling of this matrix.

However, under conditions of pancreatic injury, inflammation, or fibrosis, pancreatic stellate cells can become activated. This activation transforms them from their quiescent state into a more contractile and proliferative phenotype. Activated PSCs are a major source of extracellular matrix components, particularly collagen, which leads to the excessive deposition of fibrous tissue. This process is known as fibrosis and is a hallmark of many chronic pancreatic diseases, including chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common type of pancreatic cancer.

Activated PSCs also secrete various growth factors and cytokines that can promote inflammation, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). In the context of PDAC, activated PSCs form a dense desmoplastic stroma around the tumor, which can shield tumor cells from the immune system, hinder drug delivery, and contribute to tumor progression and metastasis. Therefore, understanding the behavior and activation of pancreatic stellate cells is a key area of research in the study of pancreatic diseases.