Stem Cell-Based Approaches for the Treatment of Diabetes

Figure 2

Directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) towards a beta-cell phenotype. ESCs are derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst and have the potential to develop into any somatic cell lineage. Studies have shown that ESCs can be differentiated towards a beta-cell phenotype which releases insulin in response to stimuli including glucose. iPS cells are derived as a result of the directed reprogramming of somatic cells into a pluripotent phenotype. This generally involves the forced expression of a gene or transcription factor. iPSCs can be used to generate beta-like cells, while beta-cells themselves can be used to produce iPSCs for further expansion of the beta-cell population.