What's Next in Beta Cell Function: Insights from the 85th Scientific Sessions | Recording-What's Next in Beta Cell Function: Insights from the 85th Scientific Sessions

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Video Summary

The webinar "What's Next in Beta Cell Function: Insights from the 85th Scientific Sessions," moderated by Dr. Mike Rickels, presented cutting-edge research on beta cell biology and diabetes treatment. Key highlights included a focus on the interplay between alpha and beta cells within the pancreatic islets, emphasizing that alpha cells produce not just glucagon but also GLP-1 peptides that locally modulate beta cell function and insulin secretion. Novel mouse models, such as glucagon-deficient NSG-GKO mice, enable detailed functional studies of human islets under metabolic stress like high-fat diets.<br /><br />Stem cell-derived islet therapy was a major topic, with updates on generating glucose-responsive insulin-producing cells from pluripotent stem cells. Transplantation strategies were discussed, including alternative sites like the abdominal rectus muscle allowing engraftment monitoring, and the use of chemical reprogramming to enhance beta cell phenotype. Challenges remain, such as early cell loss due to ischemia and the need for systemic immunosuppression. Innovative approaches to improve graft survival and immune protection include pre-vascularized implantation sites, biomaterial scaffolds functionalized with immune-modulating molecules, microencapsulation, and genetically engineered immune tolerance using CAR T regulatory cells.<br /><br />Clinical assessment of beta cell function was addressed, highlighting limitations of C-peptide as the sole biomarker. Advanced mathematical modeling of OGTT data enables personalized prediction of beta cell decline in type 1 diabetes progression. Novel assays measuring distinct proinsulin proteoforms offer sensitive biomarkers for beta cell stress and dysfunction. The role of cephalic (oral sensory) and neural gut-pancreas signals in insulin secretion was also underscored.<br /><br />Panelists stressed the need to understand beta cell heterogeneity, immune-beta cell interactions, and improve methods to monitor and preserve endogenous beta cells. Discussions also explored the potential for CRISPR gene editing and next-generation stem cell therapies to overcome immune barriers and achieve durable beta cell replacement without lifelong immunosuppression. Overall, the advances mark significant strides toward precision diabetes care and practical beta cell restoration therapies.

Keywords

beta cell function

alpha cells

GLP-1 peptides

glucagon-deficient NSG-GKO mice

stem cell-derived islet therapy

insulin secretion

beta cell transplantation

immune modulation

C-peptide biomarker

CRISPR gene editing