How to Cite
Abstract
As the key regulator in maintaining blood sugar, insulin is secreted by beta cells
residing in pancreatic islets. However, most functional beta cells are disap-
peared in type I diabetes, and the total beta cell population is seriously reduced
in type II diabetes. Over the last decade, insights into beta cell development,
combined with the deeper research of related donor stem cells including ESCs,
iPSCs and pancreatic progenitors, have led us to generate functional beta
cells. Besides, several alternative approaches have also converted other cell
types into insulin positive beta-like cells via lineage reprogramming factors
(Pdx1, Nkx6-1, Pax4 and Ngn3). Nowadays, people realized that advances
in investigating of beta cell biology at the genomic and post-transcription
levels are more useful in deeply understanding the cells source, behavior and
function. For research in drug screening or diabetes transplantation therapy,
herein, we reviewed the recent information about development, replication of
beta cells, and production of insulin-positive cells via lineage reprogramming
or small molecule treatment.
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