HealthWIREDSome Pancreatic Cells Are Just One Genetic Tweak Away From Treating Diabetes
Researchers found that switching off one gene caused pancreatic duct cells to produce insulin, a potential step toward a long-term diabetes treatment.
By deactivating a gene, researchers were able to cause cells in the pancreatic ducts to produce insulin to regulate blood sugar.
A Harvard-led research team found that deactivating a gene called ALDH3B2 caused pancreatic ductal cells to behave like insulin-producing beta cells, the study found.
Without the genetic change fewer than 1 per cent of ductal cells converted, but with it that figure jumped to about 8.5 per cent, the researchers reported in Science Translational Medicine.
When the altered human cells were transplanted into diabetic mice, insulin levels rose and blood sugar dropped to near-normal levels for six weeks, suggesting a possible future treatment path.
The study found the effect persisted for six weeks in mice, but researchers say human trials are still a long way off, so ask your GP about current diabetes management options.
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