Generation of beta cells from adult pancreatic non-beta cells with stem/progenitor capacity.

The objective of the proposed project is to develop methods and tools for generating functional insulin-producing beta cells from adult pancreatic cells with stem or/and progenitor cell capacity. The goal is to increase the supply of beta cells for transplantation in diabetes independently of the number of donor organs. The strategy allows standardized procedures with adequate safety and efficacy testing and opens ways to program donor cells towards immune tolerance. The outcome should contribute to a cure for type 1 diabetes, a major health problem with serious medical and socioeconomic implications.