Laboratory experiments have been conducted on mice in order to boost the number of Beta cells — or insulin producing cells — of the pancreas. It is when these cells stop functioning and reduce in number, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (Insulin Dependant Diabetes) occurs.

A recent study reported by the New England Journal of Medicine, shows that acinar cells of the pancreas (which are not insulin-producing) were re-programmed into insulin-producing Beta cells. The theory behind this experiment was that all cells of the pancreas acinar and Beta cells were derived from the same stem cells in the embryo. Three developmental Transcription Factors, derived from viruses, were injected into the acinar cells of diabetic mice and within three days the acinar cells were converted into Beta cells.

 

Developing Beta cells in the laboratory would control the number of Beta cells produced as well as their engraftment.

 

Another experiment on rats, performed earlier, reported that acinar cells isolated from rat’s pancreas and exposed to certain growth factors in the laboratory, got converted to Beta cells and started producing insulin. When they were transplanted into the diabetic rats, the blood glucose got normalised.

These experiments seem to be promising, but many hurdles must be cleared before they can be performed on human beings. Many potential risks are present if such trials are performed on the human body. Transgenic viruses will have to be used for the purpose and these pose a high risk of tumour development. Non-viral carriers are being studied for efficient and specific delivery of the molecules.

Developing Beta cells in the laboratory would control the number of Beta cells produced as well as their engraftment. If all potential risks and dangers are overcome, then organs with abundant acinar cells like the liver and intestines could also be used for transformation into insulin-producing Beta cells.