Regenerating Pancreatic Beta Cells in Mice

Researchers from the University of Geneva in Switzerland may have found an alternative source of insulin for diabetics. It appears that alpha cell in the pancreas of Type I diabetics are able to redifferentiate into insulin producing beta cells. The study, led by Pedro Herrera, consisted of killing pancreatic beta cells in mice, then giving them insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. After a while, it was found that the mice no longer needed external insulin to function normally. Scientists then found that insulin was still being produced in the pancreas. Originally, researchers thought that the restored insulin production was caused by beta cells that had survived attacks by the immune system. Dr. Herrera concluded that the aforementioned situation was highly improbably because the immune system is “very efficient.” Therefore, the hypothesis was made that pancreatic alpha cells must be converting into insulin producing beta cells. In order to test this hypothesis, many alpha cells were marked with special radioactive isotopes. After a while, it was observed that several pancreatic beta cells contained the markers as wells, thus confirming the hypothesis. Herrera and his colleagues suggested that around 17% of the original amount of beta cells regenerates. Although this numbers seems low, this number of beta cells is sufficient to maintain almost normal blood sugar levels. The cell’s ability to respond to the needs of the body appears to be an intrinsic property of the cells. That is, no outside intervention is needed to convert alpha cells into beta cells. Although the mechanism that drives the conversion is unknown, researchers are fairly certain that this process begins once nearly all the beta cells have been destroyed. Furthermore, researchers do not if all alpha cells have the ability to redifferentiate. Also, the immune system would have to be somehow suppressed so that the newly created beta cells are not attacked. Although there are many obstacles to overcome, this discovery may eventually lead to new treatments for Type I diabetics. Herrera stated that even a 1% increase of insulin production can radically alter the lifestyle of patients.

The article was interesting because it showed that through genetic and cellular engineering, Bioengineers may be capable of providing alternative treatments, and ultimately better life styles, to diabetic patients. This article is just another example of a viable route through which engineers can help correct pathophysiolocial processes.

This article can be found at: http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/57902/title/Insulin-producing_cells_can_renegerate_in_diabetic_mice

Oscar Carrasco-Zevallos