Advances in ? cell replacement and regeneration strategies for treating diabetes.

ABSTRACT: In the past decade, new approaches have been explored that are aimed at restoring functional ? cell mass as a treatment strategy for diabetes. The two most intensely pursued strategies are ? cell replacement through conversion of other cell types and ? cell regeneration by enhancement of ? cell replication. The approach closest to clinical implementation is the replacement of ? cells with human pluripotent stem cell-derived (hPSC-derived) cells, which are currently under investigation in a clinical trial to assess their safety in humans. In addition, there has been success in reprogramming developmentally related cell types into ? cells. Reprogramming approaches could find therapeutic applications by inducing ? cell conversion in vivo or by reprogramming cells ex vivo followed by implantation. Finally, recent studies have revealed novel pharmacologic targets for stimulating ? cell replication. Manipulating these targets or the pathways they regulate could be a strategy for promoting the expansion of residual ? cells in diabetic patients. Here, we provide an overview of progress made toward ? cell replacement and regeneration and discuss promises and challenges for clinical implementation of these strategies.

SUBMITTER: Benthuysen JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5096826 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature