Origin of beta-cells in regenerating pancreas.
The origin of insulin-expressing beta-cells in the adult mammalian pancreas is controversial. During normal tissue turnover and following injury, beta-cells may be replaced by duplication of existing beta-cells.1 However, an alternative source of beta-cells has recently been proposed based on neogenesis from a Ngn3-positive population present in regenerating pancreatic ducts.2 The appearance of beta-cells from Ngn3-positive progenitors is reminiscent of normal pancreas development, and Ngn3-expressing cells isolated from regenerating pancreas can generate the full repertoire of endocrine phenotypes. The isolation and characterisation of the equivalent human progenitors may represent a significant step forward in the hunt for a cure for diabetes.
O'Neill
Kathy E
KE
Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, UK.
Eberhard
Daniel
D
Tosh
David
D
D000818:Animals; D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D019070:Cell Lineage; D006801:Humans; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D010179:Pancreas / Q000166:cytology* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D012038:Regeneration; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology
D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; C498695:NEUROG3 protein, human