Harvard researchers identify genetic switch to create insulin-producing cells

Researchers at Harvard Medical School and the Joslin Diabetes Center have identified a genetic mechanism that can transform human pancreatic duct cells into insulin-producing beta-like cells. According to a study published in Science Translational Medicine, silencing the ALDH3B2 gene triggers this cellular metamorphosis.

Using a genome-wide CRISPR screening approach, the team found that disrupting ALDH3B2 increased the conversion rate of duct cells into beta-like cells from less than 1% to approximately 8.5%. In laboratory experiments, these converted cells expressed key beta-cell markers and secreted insulin in response to glucose. When transplanted into diabetic mice, the cells successfully reduced blood glucose levels to near-normal for a period of six weeks.

While the insulin production efficiency of these converted cells is currently lower than that of natural human beta cells, the discovery offers a potential long-term strategy for addressing diabetes by replenishing missing beta cell mass without relying on external donor sources.