title: Generation of transplantable Beta cells for patient-specific cell therapy.
abstract: Islet cell transplantation offers a potential cure for type 1 diabetes, but it is challenged by insufficient donor tissue and side effects of current immunosuppressive drugs. Therefore, alternative sources of insulin-producing cells and isletfriendly immunosuppression are required to increase the efficiency and safety of this procedure. Beta cells can be transdifferentiated from precursors or another heterologous (non-beta-cell) source. Recent advances in beta cell regeneration from somatic cells such as fibroblasts could circumvent the usage of immunosuppressive drugs. Therefore, generation of patient-specific beta cells provides the potential of an evolutionary treatment for patients with diabetes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, 3100, 910 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4E3.
authors.forename: Xiaojie
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Daniel L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Metzger
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Meloche
authors.forename: Jianqiang
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hao
authors.forename: Ziliang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ao
authors.forename: Garth L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Warnock