Differential regulation of embryonic and adult β cell replication

Diabetes results from an inadequate functional beta cell mass, either due to autoimmune destruction (Type 1 diabetes) or insulin resistance combined with beta cell failure (Type 2 diabetes). Strategies to enhance beta cell regeneration or increase cell proliferation could improve outcomes for patients with diabetes. Research conducted over the past several years has revealed that factors regulating embryonic beta cell mass expansion differ from those regulating replication of beta cells post-weaning. This article aims to compare and contrast factors known to control embryonic and postnatal beta cell replication. In addition, we explore the possibility that connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) could increase adult beta cell replication. We have already shown that CTGF is required for embryonic beta cell proliferation and is sufficient to induce replication of embryonic beta cells. Here we examine whether adult beta cell replication and expansion of beta cell mass can be enhanced by increased CTGF expression in mature beta cells.