A Small Molecule Activator of Lyn Improves the Outcomes of Islet Transplantation in Mice

Abstract

Islet transplantation can achieve insulin independence in individuals with type 1 diabetes. However, islets derived from multiple donors are often required, and functional beta cells are lost early after transplantation. There is thus a need for strategies to improve graft survival and function. Our lab has recently characterized Lyn as a critical regulator of beta-cell proliferation and survival. We herein sought to test the hypothesis that pharmacological activation of Lyn improves the outcome of islet transplantation in mice.