A Sweet Success for Embryonic Stem Cells

Cell regeneration brings hope for diabetics

jane2007 submitted, created time 10 months 1 week (www.nature.com)

Some cells in the adult pancreas can, in times of extreme stress, produce new insulin-secreting cells, researchers have found. The findings, based on work performed in mice, open up a new approach to replacing insulin-secreting cells in patients with diabetes.

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Hurt an Organ, Help a Disease?

Eric wu submitted, created time 10 months 1 week (sciencenow.sciencemag.org)

Researchers report that by injuring an animal's pancreas, they have found a population of cells that naturally become insulin-producers. It's not clear whether the find will impact diabetes patients, but researchers are intrigued by the discovery and what it might reveal about the transformative ability of pancreatic cells.

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Insulin Secretion Aided By Message From Fat Cells

june submitted, created time 1 year 3 weeks (www.medicalnewstoday.com)

In a study using laboratory mice, published in the November 7, 2007 issue of Cell Metabolism, scientists at the School of Medicine report that fat cells release a protein that aids insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, which are the sole source of insulin. The protein is an enzyme that the pancreatic cells themselves produce in only minimal amounts. The enzyme works to enhance glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells.

Submit comment | Blog It | Email It | Keywords: pancreatic cells beta cells cell signaling Fat Cells Insulin