How can we get more beta cells?
The need for a reliable source of functional beta cells has led to many new investigations in an effort to drive the differentiation of embryonic stem cells, of putative stem cells, or of pancreatic progenitor cells to form new beta cells. There appears to be a plasticity of pancreatic cells in vitro that may be exploited to generate the necessary beta cells. Major questions still remain: whether there are true pancreatic stem cells, what are the pancreatic progenitor cells after birth, and whether expanded beta cells themselves could serve as the source.
Inada
Akari
A
Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Bonner-Weir
Susan
S
Toschi
Elena
E
D002454:Cell Differentiation; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000637:transplantation; D010179:Pancreas / Q000166:cytology*; D013234:Stem Cells; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000378:metabolism
D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D015534:Trans-Activators; C084010:pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 protein