Jumpstarting Growth of Insulin-Producing Cells

[Northerner]

Diabetes researchers have been stymied for years in their efforts to develop a more complete understanding of what regulates the growth of the islet beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. When these cells die, their disappearance prevents the body from keeping blood sugar levels under control. To date, no one has figured out how to jumpstart the growth of new beta cells.

Now, new research by Howard Hughes Medical Institute scientists has identified a cellular pathway that may be key to sparking growth of pancreatic beta cells in mice and humans ? a long-sought goal for the treatment of diabetes.

http://www.hhmi.org/news/kim20111012.html