Advances and challenges in the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into pancreatic β cells

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are able to differentiate into several cell types, including pancreatic beta cells. Differentiation of pancreatic beta cells depends on certain transcription factors, which function in a coordinated way during pancreas development. The existing protocols for in vitro differentiation produce pancreatic beta cells, which are not highly responsive to glucose stimulation except after their transplantation into immune-compromised mice and allowing several weeks for further differentiation to ensure the maturation of these cells in vivo. Thus, although the substantial improvement that has been made for the differentiation of induced PSCs and embryonic stem cells toward pancreatic beta cells, several challenges still hindering their full generation. Here, we summarize recent advances in the differentiation of PSCs into pancreatic beta cells and discuss the challenges facing their differentiation as well as the different applications of these potential PSC-derived beta cells.