title: 50 years forward: beta cells.
abstract: Our understanding of beta cell development and function has increased substantially these past 50 years but much remains to be learned before this knowledge can be put to clinical use. A comprehensive business plan will be necessary to develop a detailed molecular and functional blueprint of the beta cell in health and disease based on an integrated approach involving all necessary research disciplines. This blueprint will provide a platform for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of both major forms of diabetes, foremost among them beta cell replacement therapy. This is one of a series of commentaries under the banner '50 years forward', giving personal opinions on future perspectives in diabetes, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Diabetologia (1965-2015).
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical Centre, 1 rue Michel-Servet, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland, Philippe.halban@unige.ch.
authors.forename: Philippe A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Halban
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000378:metabolism*