Conversion of Mature Human β-Cells into Glucagon- Producing α-Cells

H. S. Spijker, Raimond B.G. Ravelli, A. Mieke Mommaas-Kienhuis, Aart A. Van Apeldoorn, Marten A. Engelse, Arnaud Zaldumbide, Susan Bonner-Weir, Ton J. Rabelink, Rob C. Hoeben, Hans Clevers, Christine L. Mummery, Françoise Carlotti, Eelco J.P. De Koning

Onderzoeksoutput: Bijdrage aan tijdschriftArtikelpeer review

118 Citaten (Scopus)

Samenvatting

Conversion of one terminally differentiated cell type into another (or transdifferentiation) usually requires the forced expression of key transcription factors. We examined the plasticity of human insulin-producing β-cells in a model of islet cell aggregate formation. Here, we show that primary human β-cells can undergo a conversion into glucagon-producing α-cells without introduction of any genetic modification. The process occurs within days as revealed by lentivirus-mediated β-cell lineage tracing. Converted cells are indistinguishable from native α-cells based on ultrastructural morphology and maintain their α-cell phenotype after transplantation in vivo. Transition of β-cells into α-cells occurs after β-cell degranulation and is characterized by the presence of β-cell-specific transcription factors Pdx1 and Nkx6.1 in glucagon + cells. Finally, we show that lentivirus-mediated knockdown of Arx, a determinant of the α-cell lineage, inhibits the conversion. Our findings reveal an unknown plasticity of human adult endocrine cells that can be modulated. This endocrine cell plasticity could have implications for islet development, (patho) physiology, and regeneration.

Originele taal-2Engels
Pagina's (van-tot)2471-2480
Aantal pagina's10
TijdschriftDiabetes
Volume62
Nummer van het tijdschrift7
DOI's
StatusGepubliceerd - jul. 2013
Extern gepubliceerdJa

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