With the recent success of islet transplantation, it is critical that a new, renewable and safe source of insulin-producing beta cells be developed, especially since the supply of human islets from cadaveric pancreases is so limited. Numerous UCSF researchers are focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in forming beta cells, with the ultimate goal of changing an immature stem cell into a fully functioning beta cell.

Diabetes Center Associate Director, Michael German, MD, a leading expert in the areas of islet development, beta cell genesis and gene regulation, recently launched the Islet Genesis Network at UCSF. This network brings together five investigators and their research teams to identify genes that are involved in the formation of beta cells, to understand the function of these genes, and to test these genes for their ability to generate beta cells from stem cells.

The entire process of cell differentiation involves a series of changes in gene expression. All of these gene expression events control the fate of the cell. By understanding this process, Dr. German and the Islet Genesis Network feel they are capable of controlling the events that will turn stem cells into beta cells.

We would like to thank the Larry L. Hillblom Foundation for their generous support of the Islet Genesis Network at UCSF.