Cell regeneration brings hope for diabetics

The blood and heart are known to be supplied with new cells by adult stem cells capable of generating a fresh stock. If such **regenerative stem cells** existed in the pancreas, they could perhaps be harnessed to restock the supply of pancreatic ß cells, which in turn produce insulin. This could form the basis of treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes who have fewer ß cells. #img_902#.> *One treatment for diabetes would be to promote the production of new insulin-making cells. (Moodboard)* Researchers damaged mouse pancreases by clamping the duct that drains digestive enzymes from the pancreas. This causes inflammation and a doubling of ß cell numbers. When the researchers investigated the new cells, they found a population expressing a protein normally found only in embryonic pancreatic cells; a sign that **stem cells** may be involved. When the researchers checked, these cells could generate new ß cells capable of responding to glucose. The results are reported this week in "Cell":[ http://cell.com]. The work shows that mice can replenish insulin-producing ß cells — at least when pushed. Technically, the cells may not meet all the requirements to be classified as **adult stem cells** — to prove that, the researchers will need to go on to show that the cells can also replenish themselves. But the cells may hold therapeutic promise regardless, says Baetge, who has been working with embryonic stem cells to make ß cells. “If you could design a strategy by which you could stimulate those cells not through injury, but some other mechanism, you might be able to use them to **treat diabetes**,” Baetge says. Source: "http://www.nature.com":[ http://www.nature.com/news/2008/080124/full/news.2008.525.html]

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