Generation of beta cells from human pluripotent stem cells: Potential for regenerative medicine.

ABSTRACT: The loss of beta cells in Type I diabetes ultimately leads to insulin dependence and major complications that are difficult to manage by insulin injections. Given the complications associated with long-term administration of insulin, cell-replacement therapy is now under consideration as an alternative treatment that may someday provide a cure for this disease. Over the past 10 years, islet transplantation trials have demonstrated that it is possible to replenish beta cell function in Type I diabetes patients and, at least temporarily, eliminate their dependency on insulin. While not yet optimal, the success of these trials has provided proof-of-principle that cell replacement therapy is a viable option for treating diabetes. Limited access to donor islets has launched a search for alterna

SUBMITTER: Nostro MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4400853 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature