Articles tagged with Beta Cells
Researchers at Kyoto University developed a PET tracer to quantify beta cell mass in type 1 diabetes patients, revealing lower uptake in those with the disease. This measurement was inversely related to hemoglobin A1c and total daily insulin dose, suggesting its potential as a noninvasive readout of residual beta cell mass.
Research reveals iron's crucial role in generating energy for developing beta cells, which are responsible for insulin production. Iron deficiency impairs the maturation of these cells, leading to their death and potential diabetes treatment breakthroughs.
Professor Kazuya Yamagata received the 2025 Erwin von Bâlz Prize Second Prize for his groundbreaking research on pancreatic Ò-cell transcription factors and their role in monogenic diabetes. His work significantly deepens our understanding of β-cell function and diabetes pathophysiology.
Research shows that high glucose levels cause mitochondria to move towards the periphery of pancreatic beta cells. This movement is linked to insulin secretion and may play a role in regulating blood sugar levels. The study found that inhibiting microtubules disrupted this process, suggesting a key role for these structures in mitochon...
Researchers discovered a new pathway that could help people with diabetes avoid dangerous hypoglycemia by restoring the function of delta cells. These cells, previously unknown to play a role in blood sugar regulation, release somatostatin to pause insulin production when necessary.
Researchers uncover a critical endocrine link between brown adipocytes and pancreatic β-cells, revealing the ZNF638-RBP4-retinol-ATRA pathway's role in T1D pathogenesis. Targeting this axis may halt disease progression.
A study reveals that ribonuclease 4, derived from pancreatic islet β cells, promotes β cell proliferation and blood glucose homeostasis regulation. Rnase4 supplementation reverses β cell disorders triggered by genetic defects or chemical damage.
Researchers discovered a key step in the hepatic ERK pathway that triggers insulin production in response to colonic inflammation caused by obesity. The study reveals a novel role of the gastrointestinal tract in regulating glucose homeostasis.
Research in mice suggests that antibiotics during infancy can stunt insulin-producing cell growth and boost diabetes risk. Specific microorganisms, such as Candida dubliniensis, may help promote pancreatic cell development and improve metabolic function.
A phase 1/2 clinical trial is exploring whether denosumab, an osteoporosis medication, can protect and regenerate beta cells in people with early type 1 diabetes. The study aims to improve blood sugar control by preserving beta cell function.
Researchers at Wayne State University are investigating the mechanisms behind diabetes onset, with a focus on aberrant nuclear signaling and cellular defects. The study aims to identify novel therapeutic targets and test small molecule inhibitors to prevent the establishment of these defects.
Researchers have discovered a novel approach to protecting insulin-producing beta cells from glucolipotoxicity, a condition linked to type 2 diabetes progression. The findings could lead to promising treatments targeting beta cell dysfunction, potentially slowing or preventing disease progression.
A recent study reveals that intermittent fasting can impair beta-cell function and maturation in young mice, potentially leading to diabetes. Researchers found that adolescent mice showed a decline in insulin production after prolonged fasting, with defective beta cells resembling those of type 1 diabetes patients.
Researchers identified 14 proteins and 2 metabolites associated with prediabetes progression to diabetes, including DCXR and GSTA3. Inflammation and immune system pathways also play a key role in glucose homeostasis.
A new study identifies molecular mechanisms of the progression from gestational diabetes to type 2 diabetes, finding reduced levels of sphingolipids in blood and a mutation in gene CERS2 linked to risk. The discovery could lead to new therapies and interventions to reduce the risk of this progression.
Mount Sinai researchers have made significant progress in understanding how human beta cell regenerative drugs work, potentially leading to a cure for diabetes. The study suggests that these drugs may be able to induce lineage conversion in human pancreatic islets, providing a new source of beta cells.
Research reveals the structural features of beta cell primary cilia, including microtubule organization and interactions with neighboring cells. The findings suggest that primary cilia play a crucial role in signal transmission and networking of beta cells with other islet cells, potentially linking to type 2 diabetes pathogenesis.
A low-carbohydrate diet may improve beta-cell function in people with type 2 diabetes, allowing them to better manage their disease and possibly discontinue medication. The study found that participants on a low-carb diet showed significant improvements in acute and maximal beta-cell responses compared to those on a high-carb diet.
Researchers at University of Gothenburg propose inhibiting somatostatin to restore glucagon release and prevent dangerous blood sugar levels. This approach has the potential to save lives and is supported by experimental results in mice with type 1 diabetes.
Researchers found that adult mice with only beta cells have better glycaemic balance and insulin sensitivity than standard animals. Non-beta cells are not essential for maintaining blood sugar levels, contradicting the prevailing conception.
Texas A&M researchers are investigating the use of extracellular vesicles to deliver immune-suppressing proteins, potentially reducing the immune system's attack on insulin-producing beta-cells. The goal is to develop a novel treatment for type 1 diabetes, which currently has only lifelong insulin therapy as an approved option.
A study published in Science Advances reveals a special group of 'first responder' cells in the pancreas that trigger blood sugar response. These cells respond to glucose quicker than others, initiating the response and regulating the activity of other beta cells.
Researchers from Mount Sinai and City of Hope demonstrate a combination treatment that increases human insulin-producing beta cells by 700% in mice with diabetes. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for the hundreds of millions of people with diabetes worldwide.
Researchers at City of Hope and Mount Sinai have demonstrated a combination treatment that increases human insulin-producing beta cells by 700% in mice with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, provides a potential new approach to treating the disease.
The study reveals a functional hierarchy of beta cells, with a small group acting as 'first responders' to initiate the glucose response. These cells produce and supply Vitamin B6 to regulate the activity of other beta cells, offering new insights into diabetes pathology and potential treatments.
A study led by UPF describes the mechanism behind insulinoma formation, a rare type of pancreatic beta cell tumor. The research reveals that a change in the epigenetic pattern of beta cells leads to the accumulation of mutations and excessive insulin production.
A new study from the University of Oklahoma found that measuring circulating microRNAs is likely as effective as measuring blood sugar levels in determining how young people with type 2 diabetes will fare. The study also found a 20% decrease in beta cell function during the first six months of treatment.
Aging human pancreatic beta cells display features of senescence but maintain elevated levels of genes crucial for function and exhibit an ability to release insulin in response to glucose. This sheds light on the potential role of aging beta cells in immune regulation and their relevance to autoimmune reactions in type 1 diabetes.
Researchers have discovered a repurposed cancer drug that can convert acinar cells into insulin-producing cells, which could provide a new avenue for treating diabetes. The treatment partially improved hyperglycemia and persisted without additional treatment in diabetic mice and non-human primates.
An experimental monoclonal antibody drug called mAb43 appears to prevent and reverse the onset of clinical type 1 diabetes in mice, lengthening their lifespan. The drug targets insulin-making beta cells directly and shields them from immune system attacks, raising the possibility of a new treatment for the autoimmune condition.
Researchers discovered a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease also prevents Type 2 diabetes by blocking the formation of toxic IAPP clusters. A synthetic peptide was shown to bind and neutralize these clusters, keeping beta cells alive.
A novel study in mice with diet-induced obesity demonstrates that the knock-out of inceptor enhances glucose regulation, prompting its exploration as a drug target for type 2 diabetes treatment. Inhibiting inceptor function may enhance insulin signaling, required for beta cell function and survival.
Researchers identified a significant decrease in insulin-producing beta cells with increasing age, correlating with pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias. The study suggests that islet cell loss may be a key driver of senile diabetes, informing potential preventative treatments.
A recent study by the Hebrew University proposes a new etiology for early stages of type 1 diabetes, attributing it to disrupted RNA editing within pancreatic beta cells. This perspective challenges long-held beliefs about viral involvement, suggesting potential implications for treatments and cures.
A comprehensive study has linked a regulatory gene network and functional defects in insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells to Type 2 diabetes. The research provides a template for identifying additional early disease-driving events for Type 2 diabetes.
In a significant breakthrough, research revealed that macrophages 'eat' pancreatic beta cells to regulate insulin levels after pregnancy. This process helps maintain normal blood glucose levels.
Researchers at Tohoku University successfully regenerated pancreatic beta-cells in mice by stimulating autonomic vagal nerves connected to the pancreas. This innovative approach improved insulin function and increased beta-cell numbers, ameliorating diabetes symptoms.
A drug currently in clinical trials as a cancer therapy can also stimulate pancreatic beta cells to secrete insulin, revealing a new mechanism for insulin regulation in type 2 diabetes. The preclinical discovery provides a new chemical tool for probing the biology of diabetes and could lead to better treatments.
A preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers reveals that activating a pathway to promote cell division can expand insulin-producing cells without impairing their function. The study's findings support the concept that beta cell mass can be expanded without compromising function.
Researchers found that verapamil prevents the decline of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in Type 1 diabetes patients and promotes IGF-1 signaling in pancreatic beta cells. This mechanism may contribute to the beneficial effects of verapamil on preserving beta-cell function in Type 1 diabetes.
Researchers have discovered molecules in 3,000 diabetic patients that could help predict and monitor disease progression. The study identified 20 biomarkers associated with rapid disease progression, including a protein called NogoR.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have successfully converted human stomach stem cells into insulin-secreting cells, offering a promising approach to treating type 1 and severe type 2 diabetes. The transplants reversed disease signs in mouse models, suggesting good durability.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg discovered that insulin can be stored at room temperature for four weeks, quadrupling its previous storage period. This finding has significant implications for global health, particularly in developing countries where insulin is often in short supply and expensive.
A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has created an implantable fuel cell that uses excess blood sugar to generate electrical energy. The device powers artificial beta cells that produce insulin, effectively regulating blood glucose levels.
Two new subtypes of insulin-producing beta cells, ß <sub> HI </sub> and ß <sub> LO </sub>, have been identified with distinct characteristics. The study suggests epigenetic dosage as a driving force behind the decision of ß cells to become these subtypes, offering a new target for potential diabetes treatments.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found four distinct types of beta cells in the pancreas, with cluster 1 beta cells producing more insulin than others and appearing better able to metabolize sugar. The loss of these high-functioning beta cells may contribute to type 2 diabetes development.
A new clinical trial has shown safety and tolerability of oral GABA and reduced serum glucagon levels in children with recent onset Type 1 diabetes. The study focused on the potential of GABA and GAD to preserve insulin-secreting beta cells and attenuate excessive glucagon release.
Researchers discovered microexons, short DNA sequences that play a vital role in insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. The study found that genetic variants affecting microexon inclusion are linked to type-2 diabetes risk and fasting blood sugar levels.
Researchers found that clearance of p16Ink4a-positive cells did not impact β-cell mass, but improved β-cell function and proliferative capacity in a subset of HFD mice. The targeted subpopulation of β-cells is non-proliferative and non-SASP producing.
Researchers discovered that MODY3 patients experience hypersecretion of insulin from β cells due to more efficient membrane depolarization. This phenomenon precedes pancreatic β cell failure and can be targeted for prevention or delay with treatments, such as diets or drugs.
Researchers have developed a preventative therapeutic approach that prevents stress-induced cell death in pancreatic cells, a hallmark of type 1 diabetes. The treatment targets the GLIS3-MANF pathway common to both major types of diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified a promising drug candidate, TYK2 inhibitor, for preventing type 1 diabetes. The study found that inhibiting TYK2 expression reduces the destruction of pancreatic beta cells, but may also reduce beta cell production in earlier stages.
Researchers at Osaka University identified T-cadherin as a factor that feeds back a lack of insulin to pancreatic β cells, inducing their proliferation. This finding suggests a potential new treatment for diabetes by targeting T-cadherin.
A team of scientists has identified a key gene that enables beta cells to communicate with each other, enabling the pancreas to respond to glucose by insulin secretion. The discovery could help create replacement beta cells for diabetes therapy in the future.
A study found that the HASTER lncRNA promoter regulates the activity of the HNF1A gene, which causes diabetes. This discovery paves the way for new therapeutic strategies by manipulating this regulatory element.
A long-term study on infants and young children with increased genetic risk of type 1 diabetes found that metabolic changes occur much earlier than previously assumed. Blood sugar levels were found to be higher in children who developed autoimmunity, suggesting a potential indicator for islet cell dysfunction.
A new review article aims to improve the impact of human islet research on type 2 diabetes treatment by addressing challenges and proposing solutions. The study highlights the importance of standardizing islet collection and analysis protocols to accelerate progress in understanding T2D.
Diabetes-resistant mice develop a protective beta cell cluster with reduced glucose uptake and increased beta cell division, while diabetic-prone mice experience metabolic stress and beta cell failure. This study reveals the key role of adaptive gene expression in protecting against type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at CeMM have discovered that targeting SMNDC1 in alpha cells can induce insulin production, a potential new approach for treating diabetes. The study identified a key molecular mechanism regulating insulin hormone production and its essential role in the treatment of diabetes.
Researchers at UMass Amherst investigate how embryonic exposure to PFAS chemicals affects pancreatic development and glucose regulation. Preliminary data suggest a link between PFAS exposure and elevated fructosamine levels, indicating potential long-term diabetes risk.