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There is growing evidence the body may be able to regenerate or “regrow” insulin-producing cells through a natural, self-repairing process.
This “regeneration” phenomenon may even be occurring in those with type 1 diabetes.
Ductal cells appear to produce insulin
Scientists at the Diabetes Research Institute have made novel observations of cells in the pancreatic ducts, or duct cells, that appear to produce insulin.
This finding was made by examining pancreatic tissue obtained from patients who had received a pancreas transplant, but later experienced a recurrence of autoimmune diabetes.
Insulin-producing cells are located within the islets, which are clusters of cells scattered throughout the pancreas. Thus far, there is no evidence of these cells in normal pancreatic ducts.
However, the presence of insulin within the ductal tissue of the transplanted human pancreas, suggests that a regenerative process may be occurring. There are also indications that these cells may be increasing in number and expressing the molecule PDX-1, that is critical in beta cell development.
Researchers are now obtaining ductal cells from tissue samples defining the genes expressed by these cells.
This approach will lead to the identification of key molecular pathways that are activated or inhibited in these cells. This, in turn, will help identify the factors that regulate the formation of insulin-producing cells in the ducts.
Stimulating regeneration
Also, DRI researchers and colleagues are testing several methods to stimulate islet regeneration in the native pancreas.
These approaches include the use of hepatocyte (HGF) and epidermal growth factors (EGF) along with hormones such as Gastrin, among others.
Researchers are also evaluating the regenerative action of a new drug, Exenatide, to evaluate its effectiveness in promoting beta cell expansion in patients who received an islet transplant.
If successful, the use of this GLP-1 drug may allow researchers to infuse fewer islets that can be expanded after islet transplant. Powerful new tools have made it possible to identify and measure signals responsible for cell growth.
The expression of small molecules called micro-RNAs act as molecular regulators and thereby, control the growth of islets. DRI researchers are studying the micro-RNA profile (or ‘signature’) of the alpha and beta cells within islets. A better understanding of these molecular factors will help identify strategies for clinical therapies.
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Human islet cell regeneration (red) and/or expansion compensates for the loss of insulin producing tissue.
Pancreatic duct in which virtually all cells express insulin (green color).
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