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Towards a safe and scalable cell therapy for type 1 diabetes by simplifying beta cell differentiation

Scientists have identified a molecular handle to purify cells destined to become insulin-producing cells, enabling a streamlined and cost-efficient process for generating glucose-responsive beta cells. The discovery aims to address safety and end product consistency challenges in cell therapy for type 1 diabetes.

The role of vitamin A in diabetes

A study suggests that vitamin A plays an important role in the development and function of beta-cells, leading to improved insulin secretion. Researchers found that partially blocking the vitamin A receptor impaired cell survival and insulin secretion, highlighting its potential as a new target for diabetes treatment.

SourceLund University·JournalEndocrine Journal·DateJun 13, 2017

How to block type 1 diabetes

A recent study has made a breakthrough in understanding the autoimmune process that leads to type 1 diabetes, finding a way to protect beta cells from destruction. By targeting the activation of B cells, researchers were able to prevent diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJun 1, 2017

Artificial beta cells

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created artificial beta cells that can effectively regulate blood sugar levels. These cells work by measuring glucose concentrations in the blood and producing insulin when necessary, making them a promising solution for diabetes treatment.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateDec 8, 2016

Discovery of insulin-producing beta cell subtypes may impact diabetes treatment

Researchers have discovered at least four separate subtypes of human insulin-producing beta cells, which could lead to a better understanding of the disease process and the development of new treatments for type 2 diabetes. The study found that these cell subtypes produce different amounts of insulin and may regenerate at varying rates.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 11, 2016

Study shows that plasma protein supplementation helps prevent cell death in diabetes

A study by University of Illinois researchers suggests that protein S supplementation can inhibit beta-cell death and improve blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and kidney damage in mice with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The findings offer a potential new approach to treating the disease.

Do germs cause type 1 diabetes?

A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that certain bacteria can activate killer T-cells, which destroy insulin-producing cells and lead to type 1 diabetes. This discovery sheds light on the potential external factors contributing to the disease's development.

SourceCardiff University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 16, 2016

Researchers create insulin-producing beta cells in a dish

Scientists have discovered a nuclear receptor protein, estrogen-related receptor γ (ERRγ), that enables the maturation of human beta cells in vitro. This breakthrough overcomes a major challenge in diabetes research and holds promise for creating functional insulin-producing cells at will.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 12, 2016

Beta cells from love handles

Scientists have successfully extracted stem cells from a 50-year-old test subject's fatty tissue, applied genetic reprogramming, and produced mature, insulin-producing beta cells. The researchers' technique has the potential to treat diabetes by implanting new functional beta cells made from the patient's own adipose tissue.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 11, 2016