Harnessing beta cell regeneration biology for diabetes therapy

Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2024 Apr 20:S1043-2760(24)00082-1. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.03.006. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

The pandemic scale of diabetes mellitus is alarming, its complications remain devastating, and current treatments still pose a major burden on those affected and on the healthcare system as a whole. As the disease emanates from the destruction or dysfunction of insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells, a real cure requires their restoration and protection. An attractive strategy is to regenerate β-cells directly within the pancreas; however, while several approaches for β-cell regeneration have been proposed in the past, clinical translation has proven challenging. This review scrutinizes recent findings in β-cell regeneration and discusses their potential clinical implementation. Hereby, we aim to delineate a path for innovative, targeted therapies to help shift from 'caring for' to 'curing' diabetes.

Keywords: beta cell regeneration; diabetes mellitus; personalized medicine; regenerative medicine.

Publication types

  • Review