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The Foundation for Engineering a Pancreatic Islet Niche
Smit N Patel1, Clayton E Mathews2,3, Rachel Chandler1
1J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
Frontiers in Endocrinology
|May 23, 2022
Summary
Developing advanced experimental models for diabetes research is crucial. New three-dimensional islet-on-a-chip platforms offer improved human pathophysiology modeling, aiming to accelerate clinical translation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Endocrinology
- Diabetes Research
Background:
- Current experimental systems inadequately model human diabetes pathophysiology and predict clinical outcomes.
- Engineering human-centric platforms requires a deep understanding of pancreatic islet physiology.
- Existing models have limitations that hinder progress in diabetes research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To inform the engineering design criteria for novel diabetes models by summarizing islet features.
- To identify gaps in current experimental practices for diabetes research.
- To propose a roadmap for creating biorelevant and accessible diabetes models.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing contemporary understanding of pancreatic islet biology.
- Analyzing advantages and limitations of conventional experimental practices.
- Exploring emerging platforms combining cells in 3D niches with controlled fluidics.
Main Results:
- Emerging platforms integrate diabetes-relevant cells within 3D matrices and fluidic flow systems.
- Islet-on-a-chip prototypes show promise but require enhanced utility, adaptability, and adoptability.
- A roadmap is proposed to guide engineers in crafting improved diabetes models.
Conclusions:
- Biorelevant and accessible diabetes models are essential for advancing research.
- These advanced models will enable biologists to address complex questions in diabetes.
- Improved models are expected to facilitate the translation of research findings from benchtop to clinic.
