Medical researchers often pave the way for unexpected discoveries. This is what happened to Chang Xian Zhang and his colleagues from Lyon. The story is highlighted in the journal Gastroenterology.
The scientific team has been trying for 10 years to understand the Nem1 gene. When it is inactive, it causes the appearance of endocrine tumours, including in the pancreas.
During their research, researchers paved the way for a possible treatment against diabetes. They have demonstrated the phenomenon of transdifferentiation of pancreatic alpha cells into cells that secrete insulin.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the lack of beta cells that produce insulin. For years, research on the disease has attempted to restore these cells and their functions.
Chang Xian Zhang says, "In addition to new avenues for cancer research, the study of mechanisms responsible for transdifferentiation revealed in this paper allow a better understanding of the biology of pancreatic endocrine cells and developing new strategies for the regeneration of pancreatic beta cells, a major issue in the treatment of diabetes."