Scientists convert uterine stem cells into insulin-producing cells to treat diabetes!!! ~ Technology Update

Washington, Sept 15: Stem cells from the lining of the uterus were converted into insulin-producing cells to treat diabetes in mice, according to Yale School of Medicine researchers.

The endometrium or uterine lining is a source of adult stem cells. These cells generate uterine tissue each month as part of the menstrual cycle. Like other stem cells, however, they can divide to form other kinds of cells

Uterine Stem cell

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The Yale team’s findings suggest that endometrial stem cells could be used to develop insulin-producing islet cells, which are found in the pancreas.

These islet cells could then be used to advance the study of islet cell transplantation to treat people with diabetes.

The team led by Yale Professor Hugh S. Taylor, M.D. exposed the mature stem cells to glucose and found that, like typical beta cells, the cultured cells responded by producing insulin.

The team then injected diabetic mice with the mature, insulin-making stem cells.

Mice that did not receive the stem cell therapy continued having high blood sugar levels, developed cataracts and were lethargic

Insulin

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In contrast, mice that received the cell therapy were active and did not develop cataracts, but the animals’ blood sugar levels remained higher than normal.

Taylor said that the next step in the research would be to verify how long this treatment remains effective.

“We will also investigate how changing the nutrient bath or increasing the dose of injected cells could make this treatment more effective,” he said.

The study was published in the journal Molecular Therapy.