Scientists at the Diabetes Research Institute are developing new methods of assessing the health and quality of islet cells prior to transplanting them into patients -- to determine an islet’s ability to survive the transplant process and continue to secrete insulin.
Researchers are testing the viability of islets by measuring the calcium response to glucose. The picture on the right shows beta cells responding to the presence of glucose. Changes in color indicate the level of response and health of these insulin-producing cells.
DRI scientists are also using Laser Scanning Cytometry (LSC) to identify beta cell-specific apoptosis (cell death) at the most fundamental cell level.
The data generated by LSC is far more useful than that of prior methods in determining the quality and health of an islet preparation and whether it should be transplanted or not.
DRI scientists are also using biosensor fluorescence to measure the metabolic response of islets to various stimuli.
This new process helps differentiate optimal islets from those that are less likely to function after transplantation.
The team is also studying the role calcium plays in beta cell function. A recent DRI study showed that calcium provides a critical second "message" to the beta cells which is essential for the release of insulin from these cells.