Beta cells from stem cells: Potential for cell replacement therapy

[Northerner]

The loss of insulin-secreting beta cells by autoimmune destruction leads to type 1 diabetes. Clinical islet cell transplantation has the potential to cure diabetes, but donor pancreases are rare. In a new study, a group of researchers developed an improved pluripotent stem cell differentiation protocol to generate beta cells in vitro with superior glucose response and insulin secretion. This is a major step towards beta cell replacement therapy.

Beta cells from stem cells: Potential for cell replacement therapy

Researchers have developed an improved pluripotent stem cell differentiation protocol to generate beta cells in vitro with superior glucose response and insulin secretion -- a major step towards beta cell replacement therapy.

www.sciencedaily.com

 

[mikeyB]

Yup, then the immune system can destroy them too.

 

[trophywench]

That's what I've always wondered about @mikeyB ! Hardly likely to find out soon are we! LOL

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I saw a great talk by Prof John Pickup at an INPUT event in Cornwall years ago (Patti was there @trophywench) which talked about nano-encapsulation for implanted cells which was (and still is) under research. The idea being that you wrap the cells so that they can still work, but are protected against antibody attack.