Study shows reactivation of beta-like cells in the pancreas to produce insuli

by Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute

Schematic organization of the exocrine and endocrine compartments in the human pancreas featuring the ductal epithelial cells which are hypothesized to contain progenitor cells capable of regeneration upon exposure to EZH2 inhibitors (EZH2i). Credit: Clinical Epigenetics (2023). DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01491-z

A proof-of-concept study demonstrates that ductal cells derived from the human pancreas can be influenced by pharmacological stimulation to regenerate beta-like cells that functionally release insulin, providing new hope for people living with diabetes.

The preclinical study, conducted by Safiya Naina Marikar from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and published in the journal Clinical Epigenetics, demonstrates how drugs can influence pancreatic progenitor cells to reactivate into beta-like producing insulin cells by inhibiting the EZH2 enzyme.

With type 1 diabetes, beta cell damage and destruction mean the pancreas produces little or no insulin. This results in glucose build up in the bloodstream instead of going into the cells. This build-up of glucose in the blood is called hyperglycemia, with the body unable to use the glucose for energy.

Researchers have dedicated enormous time and energy looking at alternatives such as cell replacement therapy and pancreas transplantation—a potential option limited because of the stark reality of donor organ shortage. This approach examines the regenerative capacity of pancreatic cells by stimulating ductal stem cells with small molecule inhibitors as an alternative strategy to restore insulin production for people living with diabetes.

The drugs used in the study include a synthetically designed drug primarily used as a cancer therapeutic (with overexpression of EZH2 found in cancers) and a naturally derived drug that has been tested as a treatment for inflammatory conditions.

Ph.D. student at Monash University, Safiya Naina Marikar, who is based at the Baker Institute in Professor Sam El-Osta’s Human Epigenetics program, says this study suggests that the reprogrammed cells are capable of producing insulin and critical functionality such as insulin secretion in response to glucose stimulation.

Professor El-Osta says this exciting epigenetics work led by early career scientists could have important implications in improving the lives of people with diabetes in coming years.

While more studies are needed to address mechanism and the identity of cell targets to improve methods to reduce the burden of insulin-dependent diabetes, these findings provide an exciting new avenue for the regeneration of beta-cells as a possible alternative source to islet transplantation for people living with diabetes and close that therapeutic gap.