Origin of beta-cells in regenerating pancreas

Reference:

O'Neill, K. E., Eberhard, D. and Tosh, D., 2008. Origin of beta-cells in regenerating pancreas. Bioessays, 30 (7), pp. 617-620.

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Official URL:

http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bies.20779

Abstract

The origin of insulin-expressing beta-cells in the adult mammalian pancreas is controversial. During normal tissue turnover and following injury, beta-cells may be replaced by duplication of existing beta-cells.((1)) However, an alternative source of beta-cells has recently been proposed based on neogenesis from a Ngn3-positive population present in regenerating pancreatic ducts.((2)) The appearance of beta-cells from Ngn3-positive progenitors is reminiscent of normal pancreas development, and Ngn3-expressing cells isolated from regenerating pancreas can generate the full repertoire of endocrine phenotypes. The isolation and characterisation of the equivalent human progenitors may represent a significant step forward in the hunt for a cure for diabetes.

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