Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
09:31
In Vitro Colony Assays for Characterizing Tri-potent Progenitor Cells Isolated from the Adult Murine Pancreas
Published on: June 10, 2016
Rebuilding Beta-Cell Function: Advances In Replacement, Preservation And Regeneration
Valentin Lericque1, Gianni Pasquetti1, Julien Thevenet1
1Université Lille, U1190 Translational Research for Diabetes, INSERM, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France.
Annales D'Endocrinologie
|July 20, 2026
Summary
Recent advances in type 1 diabetes (T1D) research focus on beta-cell regeneration and preservation. Breakthroughs in stem cell-derived islet transplantation and new drug therapies offer new hope for T1D patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Type 1 diabetes (T1D) management has evolved since insulin's discovery, with technological advances like closed-loop systems.
- Biological approaches to restore beta-cell mass are rapidly advancing, complementing existing treatments.
- Islet allotransplantation is limited by donor availability and lifelong immunosuppression requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent breakthroughs in beta-cell regeneration and preservation strategies for type 1 diabetes.
- To summarize novel cell-based therapies moving from experimental models to clinical applications.
- To highlight new perspectives in treating type 1 diabetes through regenerative medicine.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature and clinical trial outcomes.
- Analysis of advancements in stem cell differentiation and islet transplantation techniques.
- Evaluation of novel therapeutic agents for beta-cell preservation.
Main Results:
- Teplizumab, an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, received marketing authorization to delay clinical T1D onset.
- Successful insulin independence achieved in 83% of patients 1 year post-transplantation of human embryonic stem-cell-derived islets.
- Individual cases of insulin independence reported with autologous and allogeneic stem-cell-derived islets.
- Stable C-peptide production observed 12 months after transplantation of engineered hypoimmune islets without immunosuppression.
Conclusions:
- Stem cell-derived islet transplantation shows significant promise for achieving insulin independence in T1D.
- Engineered hypoimmune islets offer a potential path to T1D treatment without immunosuppression.
- These regenerative approaches represent a paradigm shift in T1D cell-based therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Tissue Renewal without Stem Cells
After cellular or tissue damage, the resident stem cells present in the human body can locally repair and regenerate the damaged tissue or organ. However, even though some tissues do not have stem cells, they can repair and regenerate with the help of pre-existing cells. For example, beta cells of the pancreas and hepatocytes of the liver can divide to renew and regenerate the tissue. Here, both cell division and cell death are well regulated by homeostasis.
However, failure of such a system...
However, failure of such a system...
01:26Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
01:22iPS Cell Differentiation
The ability of induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs to differentiate into most body cell types has stimulated repair and regenerative medicine research over the past few decades. iPSC-derived blood cells, hepatocytes, beta islet cells, cardiomyocytes, neurons, and other cell types can repair injuries or regenerate damaged tissue in diseases such as diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.
01:24Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
01:25Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of pancreatic β-cells synthesizes preproinsulin, which consists of a signal peptide, A and B chains, and a C-peptide. Preproinsulin is then cleaved and folded into proinsulin, which translocates to the Golgi apparatus for sorting and packaging into secretory granules. In these granules, enzymatic clipping generates insulin and C-peptide.
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
01:12Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...