Internal clocks drive beta cell regeneration

[Northerner]

Certain parts of our body, such as the skin or liver, can repair themselves after a damage. Known as cell regeneration, this phenomenon describes how cells that are still functional start to proliferate to compensate for the loss. For the past 30 years, scientists have been investigating the regenerative potential of beta cells, pancreatic cells in charge of the production of insulin. Beta-cell population is indeed partially destroyed when diabetes occurs, and regenerating these cells represents an outstanding clinical challenge. By studying diabetic mice, scientists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG, observed that this regeneration mechanism was under the influence of circadian rhythms -- the molecular clocks regulating metabolic functions according to a 24-hour cycle of alternating day-night. In addition, the scientists identified the essential role of the core clock component BMAL1 in this process. These results, to be read in the journal Gene and Development, allow new perspectives to be envisaged to promote beta cell regeneration.

Internal clocks drive beta cell regeneration

Our body can repair itself after a damage. This phenomenon describes how cells that are still functional start to proliferate to compensate for the loss. By studying diabetic mice, scientists observed that this regeneration mechanism was under the influence of circadian rhythms, allowing new...

www.sciencedaily.com

 

[mikeyB]

With the state of my pancreas, that would make Lazarus look like a walk in the park.