Stem cell replacement therapy in type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic insulin-producingbeta cells and most frequently occurs in genetically susceptible children. Due to beta cellloss, Type 1 diabetes is an ideal candidate for cell replacement therapy. Replacement couldbe achieved via whole pancreas or isolated islet transplantation, but, at present, feasibilityof these procedures is severely limited by the shortage of donor pancreata. Stem cells, characterizedby their high potential for self-renewal and the simultaneous ability to differentiateinto a desired cytotype, theoretically represent a suitable and renewable source of surrogatebeta cells. However, despite many promising results, several challenges still remainto be faced to turn the promise of cellular therapy for diabetes into a clinical reality.