Insulin Production in Human Cells Reverses Diabetes in Mice: Scientists Hack Cells.

Scientists have successfully transformed human stomach cells into insulin-secreting tissues that can release insulin in response to rising blood sugar levels, reversing diabetes in mice. The researchers activated three specific proteins in the cells that control gene expression, in a particular order, to trigger a transformation into gastric insulin-secreting (GINS) cells. The hope is that those with diabetes could have their own gut stem cells transformed into GINS cells, limiting the risk of rejection. While it's still early days for this approach, the research adds to a number of ways scientists are looking to tackle diabetes, including diet improvements and tweaking the way that insulin is delivered to the body.