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Research Highlight

MAKING CELLS TO TREAT DIABETES
New research has revealed a strategy to promote
the production of insulin-producing cells—
known as beta cells—in the lab. These cells could
represent a new therapeutic approach with the
potential to treat some types of diabetes.

The study, led by Dr. Cristina Nostro (pictured
below), in collaboration with Dr. Tae-Hee Kim
at the Hospital for Sick Children, discovered that
supportive tissues surrounding the developing
pancreas and gut produce organ-specific signals
required for proper development.

The researchers then showed that these signals can
be modulated in the petri dish to improve the stem
cells’ ability to produce pancreatic beta cells.

“We have identified a new strategy for promoting
beta cell production. This insight could move beta
cell transplantation one step closer to the clinic. In
addition, our findings emphasize the importance
of environmental cues in the development of
different types of cells from stem cells,” says Dr.
Nostro. Full Story / Scientific Article

Dr. Laflamme and postdoctoral fellow (top of page, R-L). Dr.
Frankie Poon in Dr. Nostro’s lab and co-first author, looking at
pancreatic cells (stained green) under a microscope (two photos
directly above; image credit: Andrew Downs).
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