The researchers transplanted immature beta cells derived from human embryonic stem cells into mice whose beta cells had been destroyed by chemical treatment. When they injected these human cells into diabetic mice, the treatment alleviated diabetes in the rodents.
One to three months later, the transplanted cells developed into glucose-responsive, insulin-secreting cells and helped control blood glucose levels in the mice. Insulin is the chemical produced in the pancreas that allows the body to regulate blood-sugar levels and it is precisely the substance that many of those with diabetes lack.
Transplantation of pancreatic beta cells, which regulate blood glucose levels by releasing insulin, can help control diabetes in humans. However, the new therapy relies on cells from donor pancreases, meaning the supply of such cells is limited.
The data provides the first compelling evidence that human embryonic stem cells can serve as a renewable source of functional insulin-producing cells for diabetes cell replacement therapies.
If the research succeeds, patients could use donations of stem cells from other people without taking immune-suppressing drugs. The new technique will provide doctors with a bulk supply of clean, uncontaminated insulin-secreting cells for use in diabetes patients.
"It is only going to allow us to transplant the cells without giving immunosuppression," the researchers added.
