Scientists have identified another gene involved in insulin production. They believe it is the third and last gene that regulates insulin production, according to a recent report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Researchers can now develop ways of using the three genes to encourage insulin production in cells that don't normally make insulin. Such cells could then be transplanted into the pancreas of people with type 1 diabetes to restore insulin production.

This form of treatment would replace islet cell transplants, an experimental therapy that is showing some success but which is limited by an inadequate supply of beta cells. Only about 3,000 - 4,000 pancreases are available each year, and it takes two to provide enough islet beta cells for a single transplant. About one million people with type 1 diabetes might benefit from such treatment, so the demand would far exceed the supply.

Another advantage of this gene therapy approach is that patients would probably not have to take immunosuppressive drugs, which often have severe side effects.

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Sources:

• Olbrot M, Rud J, Moss LG, et al. Identification of beta-cell-specific insulin gene transcription factor RIPE3b1 as mammalian MafA. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, May 14, 2002;99(10):6737-6742. (Abs.)
• American Diabetes Assiociation/HealthSCOUT. Gene’s discovery could lead to new diabetes treatment. ADA In the News, May 24, 2002.