Protection and Regeneration of Beta Cells

Coordinators:

Michele Solimena | Heiko Lickert | Annette Schürmann

In order for our body to keep the blood sugar level in balance, the beta cells must produce and release just the right amount of insulin. Researchers discovered new mechanisms that control this process – and found out the imbalances that are caused in type 2 diabetes. Key proteins such as G3BP1 and ICA512 play a central role. These findings help to develop new therapies that protect the cells and maintain their function. 

In the pancreas, DZD researchers discovered a special group of “first responder cells” that are crucial for the body’s response to elevated blood sugar levels. These cells react faster than other cells and thus trigger the hierarchically structured glucose response.

Dysfunctions of the tiny cell processes (primary cilia) of the beta cells could be a cause of type 2 diabetes. Little is known about the structure and function of these cilia. DZD researchers combined various new imaging techniques to visualize the primary cilia in their natural environment. Their investigations not only provide detailed insights into the structure of these cilia, but also show their connection to the nervous system.

One focus of the Academy is the development of beta cell replacement therapies. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPS) can generally be transformed into insulin-producing beta cells. However, current methods are not yet efficient or reliable enough for clinical use. By specifically controlling signaling pathways, it has now been possible to successfully propagate hPS-derived pancreatic stem cells under GMP conditions – with around 90 percent cell purity. These cells could be differentiated into functional, islet-like cell clusters. This is an important step towards establishing standardized cell banks for research and therapy.