β-Cell regeneration: a potential cure for Type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes is a direct result of an autoimmune attack directed at the pancreatic islet cells. Within the islets, which account for 5% of the total pancreatic mass, are insulin-producing β-cells crucial for normal metabolism. Upon destruction of these cells, insulin can no longer be synthesised and secreted and therefore glucose levels must be regulated via exogenous insulin. Research involving regenerating β-cells has made astounding progress in the past two decades, owing greatly to molecular biology advances, allowing investigators to discover the factors involved in the regeneration process. Factors at the DNA and protein levels have been identified and proven useful in the islet regeneration approach. Both in vivo and in vitro differentiation of non-insulin producing cells into viable islets is a promising area of Type 1 diabetes research. The process of generating islets coupled with preventing recurrent autoimmune attack has the distinct advantage over current insulin therapy because it can potentially reverse the diabetes, not just alleviate its symptoms. The focus of this review will be on recently accepted patents pertaining to regeneration therapy for Type 1 diabetes.

• β-cell
• autoimmune suppression
• islet regeneration therapy
• Type 1 diabetes