Gene transfer to induce insulin production for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
BACKGROUND
Gene transfer can induce insulin production from non-beta-cells. Multiple gene transfer protocols have demonstrated efficacy correcting diabetes-associated hyperglycemia and growth abnormalities in vivo.


OBJECTIVE
To review the literature reporting induction of insulin secretion from non-beta-cells by gene transfer.


METHODS
Database search of literature in Ovid Medline.


CONCLUSIONS
Gene transfer for the treatment of diabetes mellitus has advanced significantly, but remains premature for clinical translation. Approaches inducing metaplasia produce beta-like-cells that normalize glycemia in diabetic rodents. Insulin gene transfer strategies provide somewhat inferior glycemic control, but avoid the overproduction of counter-regulatory hormones. Both approaches will require extensive investigations into their effects on host cells and tissues, and the efficacy of neither has been satisfactorily verified in a large animal model.
Olson
Darin E
DE
Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Division of Endocrinology, Lipids & Metabolism, USA.
Thulé
Peter M
PM