Stem cell-based approaches for islet replacement in diabetes

Document Type : Mini-Review

Authors

1 Department of Basic and Population Based Studies in NCD, Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Rayan Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute

3 Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Diabetes is a complex and multifactorial metabolic disease characterized by the autoimmune ‎destruction of pancreatic beta cells or a combination of peripheral insulin resistance and impaired ‎insulin secretion. Current therapeutic approaches are not curative and have their complications. Recently, stem cell-based therapies have emerged as a promising approach with the potential to restore ‎normoglycemia and beta cell function, reverse diabetes, achieve long-term glycemic control, and ‎prevent complications. ‎Various stem cell sources are being investigated to find a potential solution for  ‎manufacturing unlimited transplantable insulin-secreting cells. Significant progress has been made in preclinical studies and the generation of islet-like ‎endocrine clusters or organoids. However, the clinical translation of these cell therapies is still in the ‎early stages. New strategies such as gene editing and tissue engineering may improve the safety and efficacy of stem cell-derived beta or progenitor cell transplantation. This review discusses the current state of islet transplantation, different cell-based ‎therapies, and their potential for clinical translation, with a major focus on pancreatic organoids and ‎associated technologies.‎

Keywords

Regenerative Biomedicine
Volume 1, Issue 1
September 2024
Pages 36-43

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