Fibrin, a scaffold material for islet transplantation and pancreatic endocrine tissue engineering

Tissue Eng Part B Rev. 2015 Feb;21(1):34-44. doi: 10.1089/ten.TEB.2014.0188. Epub 2014 Jul 24.

Abstract

Fibrin is derived from fibrinogen during injury to produce a blood clot and thus promote wound repair. Composed of different domains, including Arg-Gly-Asp amino acid motifs, fibrin is used extensively as a hydrogel and sealant in the clinic. By binding to cell surface receptors like integrins and acting as a supportive 3D scaffold, fibrin has been useful in promoting cell differentiation, proliferation, function, and survival. In particular, fibrin has been able to maintain islet cell architecture, promote beta cell insulin secretion, and islet angiogenesis, as well as inducing a protective effect against cell death. During islet transplantation, fibrin improved neovascularization and islet function. These improvements resulted in reduced number of transplanted islets necessary to reverse diabetes. Therefore, fibrin, as a biocompatible and biodegradable scaffold, should be considered during subcutaneous islet transplantation and beta cell expansion in vitro to ensure maintenance of islet cell function, proliferation, and survival to develop effective cell-based therapies for the treatment of diabetes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / pharmacology*
  • Fibrin / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Islets of Langerhans / drug effects
  • Islets of Langerhans / physiology*
  • Islets of Langerhans Transplantation*
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Fibrin