Novel Therapy Improves Diabetes Treatment

The barrier to β-cell (beta cell) regeneration has been discovered that can pave the way for improved treatment for diabetes and diseases that involve organ and tissue damage. The research led by Professor Sam El-Osta at Monash University is published in the journal Regenerative Medicine.

In the human body, only liver can regenerate efficiently. Humans have limited capacity to regenerate new cells or tissue after birth as the genes involved in development are switched off which happens by a process called DNA methylation- biological process where chemicals (methyl groups) are written on DNA and modify the way the gene functions.

DNA methylation can effectively silence genes of progenitor cells (early descendants of stem cells) and thereby the ability for the pancreas to generate the insulin producing β-cells. By using the mouse model, the researchers found that the DNA methylation content of two key developmental genes Ngn3 and Sox 11 were diminished, effectively making them dormant.

However, by a process called demethylation, the progenitor cells can be reawakened thereby restoring their capacity to become new insulin producing beta cells paving the way towards improved treatments for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Professor El-Osta said, “The collaboration between Dr Keith Al-Hasani and Dr Ishant Khurana has unveiled some surprising results. Their discovery that DNA methylation is a barrier to adult beta-cell regeneration will assist scientists to restore beta-cell function in the pancreas.”

The current therapy focuses on replacing the damaged β-cell mass in diabetic patients consists of whole pancreas or islets transplantation. Although effective, these therapies face the shortage of organ donors together with the associated side effects of immunosuppressive drugs.

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In diabetic patients the current research focuses on the replacement of the lost β-cells by several approaches and cell sources. However, in order to exploit the potential of these regenerative approaches there is a need to understand how tissue and cellular processes are controlled during development. Co-first author Dr Keith Al-Hasani added, “This is a novel and significant finding that will allow us to use these ‘sleeping beauties’ (stem cells like cells) to wake up and become insulin cells to cure diabetes."

Source-Medindia