Reprogramming adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells into insulin-producing cells

ABSTRACT

b-cell replacement is currently considered the most promising treatmentfor type 1 diabetes. However it is strongly limited by the scarcityof transplantable material, i.e. islets of Langerhans from cadavericdonors. In this context, stem cells are an alternative source dueto their potential to duplicate and differentiate into certain lineagesunder specific culture conditions. Both embryonic and adult stemcells can differentiate into insulin-producing cells, however existingprotocols still require substantial improvements. Concerning embryonicstem cells, there are also certain ethical limitations that constrainits possible clinical use. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, donot present these problems. In addition, as seen with adipose tissuederivedmesenchymal stem cells, they can be easily isolated andtransplanted again, once reprogrammed, to the donor without theneed of immunosuppresors. Theoretically, the differentiation of mesenchymalstem cells, either from adipose tissue or bone marrow, toinsulin-producing cells can be achieved by various strategies, whichcan be grouped, according to the existing information, into coaxialand directional protocols