More Insulin-Producing Cells, At The Flip Of A 'Switch'
More Insulin-Producing Cells, At The Flip Of A 'Switch'
Researchers have found a way in mice to convert another type of pancreas cell into the critical insulin-producing beta cells that are lost in those with type I diabetes. The secret ingredient is a single transcription factor, according to the report in the August 7th issue of Cell, a Cell Press journal. When the gene called Pax4 is forced on in pancreatic alpha cells, the cells change their identity to become beta cells, the researchers found.