Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
2071711 Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 2008 10 Pages PDF
Abstract

Beta-cell replacement is considered the optimal treatment for type 1 diabetes, however, it is hindered by a shortage of human organ donors. Given the difficulty of expanding adult beta cells in vitro, stem/progenitor cells, which can be expanded in tissue culture and induced to differentiate into multiple cell types, represent an attractive source for generation of cells with beta-cell properties. In the absence of well-characterized human pancreas progenitor cells, investigators are exploring the use of embryonic stem cells and stem/progenitor cells from other tissues. Once abundant surrogate beta cells are available, the challenge will be to protect them from recurring autoimmunity.

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Life Sciences Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology Biotechnology
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