Reprogramming-Evolving Path to Functional Surrogate β-Cells

Numerous cell sources are being explored to replenish functional beta-cell mass since the proof-of -concept for cell therapy of diabetes was laid down by transplantation of islets. Many of these cell sources have been shown to possess a degree of plasticity permitting differentiation along new lineages into insulin-secreting beta-cells. In this review, we explore emerging reprograming pathways that aim to generate bone fide insulin producing cells. We focus on small molecules and key transcriptional regulators that orchestrate phenotypic conversion and maintenance of engineered cells.

Automated summary

This article reviews the concept of cell therapy for diabetes and explores various cell sources and their plasticity. It focuses on reprogramming pathways and transcriptional regulators that aim to generate functional insulin-producing cells.