Study may lead to improved insulin cells

OTTAWA, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Canadian medical researchers say they are using genetic engineering to improve insulin-producing beta cells for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Scientists at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute have identified a protein that inhibits insulin production in mice -- a finding that they said might lead to a new way treating both types of diabetes.

The researchers, led by University of Ottawa Assistant Professor Robert Screaton, said they used sophisticated genetic engineering to remove the Lkb1 gene from beta cells of laboratory mice. The result was an increase in both the size and number of beta cells, as well as greater amounts of insulin stored and released by the cells.

The scientists said the improved beta cell function lasted for at least five months.

"We were surprised by the impressive accumulation of Lkb1 in beta cells of diabetic mice, which suggested that Lkb1 might contribute to their impaired function," said Screaton. "After removal of the Lkb1 gene, the beta cells grow larger, proliferate more and secrete more insulin. It's a one-stop shop for the much needed insulin. The knockout mice on a high-fat diet have lower blood glucose.

"If this observation is confirmed in humans, it may give us another clue into the development of Type 2 diabetes, and perhaps new treatment options."

The study appears in the journal Cell Metabolism.