Title | Human β-cell regeneration: progress, hurdles, and controversy. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2014 |
Authors | Jurczyk A, Bortell R, Alonso LC |
Journal | Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes |
Volume | 21 |
Issue | 2 |
Pagination | 102-8 |
Date Published | 2014 Apr |
ISSN | 1752-2978 |
Keywords | Cell Engineering, Cell Proliferation, Cell Transdifferentiation, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Female, Gene Expression Regulation, Humans, Insulin-Secreting Cells, Male, Nerve Growth Factors, Regeneration |
Abstract | PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Therapies that increase functional β-cell mass may be the best long-term treatment for diabetes. Significant resources are devoted toward this goal, and progress is occurring at a rapid pace. Here, we summarize recent advances relevant to human β-cell regeneration. RECENT FINDINGS: New β-cells arise from proliferation of pre-existing β-cells or transdifferentiation from other cell types. In addition, dedifferentiated β-cells may populate islets in diabetes, possibly representing a pool of cells that could redifferentiate into functional β-cells. Advances in finding strategies to drive β-cell proliferation include new insight into proproliferative factors, both circulating and local, and elements intrinsic to the β-cell, such as cell cycle machinery and regulation of gene expression through epigenetic modification and noncoding RNAs. Controversy continues in the arena of generation of β-cells by transdifferentiation from exocrine, ductal, and alpha cells, with studies producing both supporting and opposing data. Progress has been made in redifferentiation of β-cells that have lost expression of β-cell markers. SUMMARY: Although significant progress has been made, and promising avenues exist, more work is needed to achieve the goal of β-cell regeneration as a treatment for diabetes. |
DOI | 10.1097/MED.0000000000000042 |
Alternate Journal | Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes |
PubMed ID | 24569551 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC4063085 |
Grant List | AI46629 / AI / NIAID NIH HHS / United States R01 DK095140 / DK / NIDDK NIH HHS / United States U01 DK072473 / DK / NIDDK NIH HHS / United States DK095140 / DK / NIDDK NIH HHS / United States P01 AI046629 / AI / NIAID NIH HHS / United States DK72473 / DK / NIDDK NIH HHS / United States |