β-Cell Generation: Can Rodent Studies Be Translated to Humans?

Abstract

β-cell replacement by allogeneic islet transplantation is a promising approach for patients with type 1 diabetes, but the shortage of organ donors requires new sources ofβcells. Islet regenerationin vivoand generation ofβ-cellsex vivofollowed by transplantation represent attractive therapeutic alternatives to restore theβ-cell mass. In this paper, we discuss different postnatal cell types that have been envisaged as potential sources for futureβ-cell replacement therapy. The ultimate goal being translation to the clinic, a particular attention is given to the discrepancies between findings from studies performed in rodents (bothex vivoon primary cells andin vivoon animal models), when compared with clinical data and studies performed on human cells.