Non Controversial Biotech Breakthrough for Diabetes

Once again, the always false meme that embryonic stem cells are the “only chance” for treatments for diseases such as diabetes, has been proved to be utterly wrong—and reported by LA Times, no less: Scientists have used proteins to reprogram pancreatic cells so that they produce insulin in mice. From the story:

Injecting a cocktail of proteins directly into the bodies of diabetic mice, researchers have converted normal pancreas cells into insulin-producing cells—a genetic transformation that could pave the way for treating intractable diseases and injuries using a patient’s own supply of healthy tissue.

The Harvard University scientists activated a trio of dormant genes that commanded the cells to transform themselves, much as a person might upload a new operating system onto a computer to change a PC into a Mac. Within 10 days, the pancreas cells ceased their normal function— making gut enzymes to digest food—and instead produced insulin to regulate blood sugar, according to a study published online Wednesday in the journal Nature...

To test their therapeutic potential, the researchers turned dozens of mice into Type 1 diabetics by wiping out their beta cells. Animals that were treated with the three proteins showed a significant improvement in their fasting blood glucose levels compared with controls that got a placebo.The process turned out to be faster and more efficient than methods involving stem cells, the study found.

Whoa. Reprogramming beyond the iPSC model and into a different type of differentiated cell: Bravo!

Time to repeat myself, but repetition is the only way for some things to sink in: First, most biotechnology is non controversial. Second, animal research is utterly necessary to the advancement of science.

Onward!