Tracing and regulation of delta-to-beta cell conversion (FWOTM652)

Stimulation of new beta cell formation and beta cell transplantation offer great hope as diabetes therapies. These treatments are hindered by a lack of knowledge about the mechanisms of beta cell generation after birth. Several studies indicate that in adult mouse pancreas new beta cells are formed by self-duplication and that there is no evidence for new formation of beta cells from progenitor cells in adults. However, there is uncertainty whether new formation of beta cells from non-beta cells may take place under other conditions e.g. during the first weeks of life (neonatal period). Studies have shown a massive increase in the number of beta cells during this period. So far, the relative contribution of proliferation of pre-existing beta cells or new formation from progenitor cells remains unclear. Indirect evidence was reported for the new formation of beta cells in this early period of life. We have now preliminary direct evidence obtained via genetic lineage tracing that new formation indeed occurs in young mice. We want to investigate this further by determining the timing and the quantitative importance of this new formation of beta cells. And we want to unravel the underlying mechanisms: which cell types give rise to the new beta cells and which hormones or factors can be used to stimulate the new formation in newborns but also in adults

Keywords:Immunocytochemistry, Endocrine Pancreatic Tumors, Apoptosis, Pancreas, Development, Zollinger Ellison Syndrome, Endocrine, Cancer, Diabetes, Cell Biology, Histology, Morphogenesis Of Endocrine Pancreas, Microscopy, Morphology, Cell Growth And Differentiation, Men-I, Islet Cell Transplantation