Diabetes Enhances the Proliferation of Adult Pancreatic Multipotent Progenitor Cells and Biases Their Differentiation to More β-Cell Production

Endogenous pancreatic multipotent progenitors (PMPs) are ideal candidates for regenerative approaches to compensate for -cell loss since their -cell-producing capacities as well as strategic location would eliminate unnecessary invasive manipulations. However, little is known about the status and potentials of PMPs under diabetic conditions. Here we show that -cell metabolic stress and hyperglycemia enhance the proliferation capacities of adult PMP cells and bias their production of progeny toward -cells in mouse and human. These effects are dynamic and correlate with functional -cell regeneration when conditions allow.