Engineering a new beta-cell: a critical venture requiring special attention to constantly changing physiological needs.
As both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are characterized by reduced islet beta-cell mass and impaired insulin secretion, engineering new beta-cells for replacement therapy is appealing. For this to be successful, the intricate peptide processing and secretory machinery of the beta-cell must be duplicated. Further, the engineered beta-cell must be capable of modulating its function in response to physiological changes such as puberty, pregnancy and aging, and to more short-term challenges such as infection, exercise and weight fluctuation. The new cell should have a low risk for recurrence of the primary disease and ensuring its survival should not be worse than diabetes itself.
Kahn
Steven E
SE
Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, VA Puget Sound Health Care System (151), University of Washington, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA.
D064987:Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D000078790:Insulin Secretion; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D023822:Tissue Engineering
D007328:Insulin