Origin of beta-cells in regenerating pancreas
Kathy E O'Neill1, Daniel Eberhard, David Tosh
1Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, UK.
Abstract:
The origin of insulin-expressing beta-cells in the adult mammalian pancreas is controversial. During normal tissue turnover and following injury, beta-cells may be replaced by duplication of existing beta-cells.1 However, an alternative source of beta-cells has recently been proposed based on neogenesis from a Ngn3-positive population present in regenerating pancreatic ducts.2 The appearance of beta-cells from Ngn3-positive progenitors is reminiscent of normal pancreas development, and Ngn3-expressing cells isolated from regenerating pancreas can generate the full repertoire of endocrine phenotypes. The isolation and characterisation of the equivalent human progenitors may represent a significant step forward in the hunt for a cure for diabetes.
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