TY - JOUR A2 - Naziruddin, Bashoo AU - Wang, Xiaojie AU - Metzger, Daniel L. AU - Meloche, Mark AU - Hao, Jianqiang AU - Ao, Ziliang AU - Warnock, Garth L. PY - 2012 DA - 2012/04/26 TI - Generation of Transplantable Beta Cells for Patient-Specific Cell Therapy SP - 414812 VL - 2012 AB - Islet cell transplantation offers a potential cure for type 1 diabetes, but it is challenged by insufficient donor tissue and side effects of current immunosuppressive drugs. Therefore, alternative sources of insulin-producing cells and isletfriendly immunosuppression are required to increase the efficiency and safety of this procedure. Beta cells can be transdifferentiated from precursors or another heterologous (non-beta-cell) source. Recent advances in beta cell regeneration from somatic cells such as fibroblasts could circumvent the usage of immunosuppressive drugs. Therefore, generation of patient-specific beta cells provides the potential of an evolutionary treatment for patients with diabetes. SN - 1687-8337 UR - https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/414812 DO - 10.1155/2012/414812 JF - International Journal of Endocrinology PB - Hindawi Publishing Corporation KW - ER -