Towards a Functional Cure for Diabetes Using Stem Cell-Derived Beta Cells: Are We There Yet?

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

45 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a pandemic metabolic disorder that results from either the autoimmune destruction or the dysfunction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. A promising cure is beta cell replacement through the transplantation of islets of Langerhans. However, donor shortage hinders the widespread implementation of this therapy. Human pluripotent stem cells, including embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, represent an attractive alternative beta cell source for transplantation. Although major advances over the past two decades have led to the generation of stem cell-derived beta-like cells that share many features with genuine beta cells, producing fully mature beta cells remains challenging. Here, we review the current status of beta cell differentiation protocols and highlight specific challenges that are associated with producing mature beta cells. We address the challenges and opportunities that are offered by monogenic forms of diabetes. Finally, we discuss the remaining hurdles for clinical application of stem cell-derived beta cells and the status of ongoing clinical trials.

Original languageEnglish
Article number191
Number of pages24
JournalCells
Volume10
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Jan 2021

Keywords

  • beta cells
  • cell therapy
  • stem cells

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Towards a Functional Cure for Diabetes Using Stem Cell-Derived Beta Cells: Are We There Yet?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this