Modifying adult human cells to produce insulin in situ

A University of Geneva team has expanded the strategies for replenishing insulin-producing cells in Type I diabetics by reprogramming human non-insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells, such as α cells, to adopt β cell properties. Pancreatic islet α cells secrete glucagon, while β cells secrete insulin.

Other options include transplantation of insulin-producing cells derived from differentiated stem cell-derived β cells, pancreatic progenitor cells, xenotransplants and expanded donor β cells (see "Islets of Hope")...