Examining the therapeutic potential of various stem cell sources for differentiation into insulin-producing cells to treat diabetes

Abstract

Novel strategies are being developed to generate stem-cell-derived insulin-producing cells (IPCs), which could reverse the growing incidence of diabetes worldwide. We reviewed studies of stem-cell-based therapies for pancreatic β-cell regeneration published between 1997 and 2017. Differentiation into IPCs can be achieved using various stem-cell sources: embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and several types of adult stem cells such as pancreatic, hepatic and mesenchymal stem cells. However, reliable cell replacement therapy for diabetes is still in its early stages, and safety and ethical concerns are pressing issues. It will be necessary to find means of identifying optimal stem-cell sources and of inducing β-cell differentiation without using genetic mutations. The present article examines the potential of various stem-cell candidates for IPC generation, and the current obstacles preventing emergence of a candidate source.