Mostafa Bakhti

Dr. Mostafa Bakhti serves as Group Leader of the Beta Cell Development and Regeneration research group at the Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research (IDR), part of the Helmholtz Diabetes Center within Helmholtz Munich. His work focuses on uncovering molecular mechanisms of insulin-producing β-cell formation and function to develop novel diabetes therapies through regenerative approaches.

His academic background includes a Bachelor in Biology from the University of Isfahan, a Master in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Tehran, and a PhD in Cell Biology from the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine in Göttingen.

Bakhti's research integrates developmental biology, endocrinology, and stem cell technologies to investigate pancreas development, islet biology, and human endocrinogenesis. His team employs mouse genetics, 3D organoids, confocal microscopy, multi-omics, and gene editing to decipher molecular programs governing endocrine differentiation and morphogenesis, aiming to translate discoveries into diabetes treatments and tissue engineering solutions.

His publication portfolio demonstrates consistent innovation in beta cell regeneration, with key contributions including the discovery of Synaptotagmin-13's role in islet morphogenesis, CD81 as a beta cell maturation marker, and pharmacological strategies for diabetes remission. These works emphasize single-cell technologies and 3D modeling to advance understanding of pancreatic development and disease.

Notable recognitions include:

• DZD NEXT Young Talent Program (2022)
• DZD NEXT grant (2018)
• Paula and Richard von hertwig Award (2018)
• Iranian National Institute of Elites membership (2007)

Bakhti secures competitive funding through the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), including the DZD NEXT Young Talent Program which supports postdoctoral researchers for beta cell regeneration projects. He actively collaborates within the Helmholtz Diabetes Center and DZD networks to advance translational diabetes research.

His laboratory at Helmholtz Munich's Campus Neuherberg operates as a specialized unit developing cutting-edge methodologies for studying pancreatic endocrinogenesis, with ongoing projects focused on human stem cell differentiation, islet morphogenesis mechanisms, and regenerative therapy development for diabetes.