In search of a surrogate: engineering human beta cell lines for therapy

Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Aug;25(8):378-80. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2014.05.006. Epub 2014 Jun 20.

Abstract

Replacement of insulin-producing cells is a promising therapy for the restoration of the beta cell mass that is destroyed in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the use of large amounts of islets per transplant, coupled with the scarcity of donor tissue, diminishes its feasibility. Here we briefly discuss current progress in developing ideal functional beta cells as well as the rationale for developing renewable sources of insulin-producing cells that can be transplanted.

Keywords: beta cells; embryonic stem cell; induced pluripotent stem cell; islet cell transplantation; type 1 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / cytology
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / transplantation*
  • Islets of Langerhans Transplantation / methods*