Human Pancreatic Duct Cells Show Diabetes Therapy Potential
Loss of function in the ALDH3B2 gene can convert human pancreatic duct cells into functional β-like cells that in tests secreted insulin in response to glucose, and lowered blood glucose levels when transplanted into diabetic mice. The post Human Pancreatic Duct Cells Show Diabetes Therapy Potential appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News .
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered that loss of function in the ALDH3B2 gene can transform human pancreatic duct cells into functional β-like cells capable of secreting insulin in response to glucose. When transplanted into diabetic mice, these cells helped lower blood glucose levels. Led by Peng Yi, PhD, the researchers suggest that targeting ALDH3B2 could be a potential therapy for replenishing β cell mass in diabetes.
The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, indicates that while ALDH3B2 loss triggers insulin promoter activation and shifts gene expression toward a β cell-like profile, glucose-stimulated insulin production is still lower than natural human β cells. Further research is needed to identify other genes involved in this process and improve transdifferentiation efficiency.
Written by urgent.news from GEN Biotechnology's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
