Research carried out in the USA by Nagaya et al (2009) could lead to a new source of beta cells that may be used in the treatment of diabetes. The authors successfully induced intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells (IHBECs) to secrete insulin, thereby confirming the potential for diabetic patients in the future to receive treatment using their own cells.

The authors used a novel method of transducing cells with adenoviruses expressing PDX-1, NEUROD, or PDX-1/VP16. IHBECs in male mice were isolated by liver perfusion and then cultured in various media before being randomly assigned to a study group. Group 1 remained unchanged at the end of culturing. Group 2 was transduced with adenovirus expressing green fluorescent protein and group 3 was transduced with adenovirus expressing Pdx-1,-Neurogenin 3, NeuroD, Pax 4, and Pdx-1/VP16. IHBECs were measured for insulin production 7 days after transduction and Ad-Pdx-1, NeuroD, and Pdx-1/VP16 transduced IHBECs were found to be releasing insulin. The authors conclude therefore, that it is possible to differentiate IHBECs into insulin producing cells.

These results could provide an effective solution to barriers that have prevented a treatment based on transplanting beta cells being developed thus far, namely, a shortage of tissue and the need for immunosuppressive drugs. The research carried out by Nagaya et al could lead to a breakthrough treatment for diabetic patients by providing a new source of beta cells and removing the need for immunosuppressive drugs.

Nagaya, M., Katsuta, H., Kaneto, H., Bonner-Weir, S., Weir, G.C. Journal of Endocrinology 201:37-47, DOI: 10.1677/JOE-08-0482