Is it possible
to program stem cells to become pancreatic cells? A new report cites the
possibility, as a rare genetic disorder gives scientists the insight how the
pancreas develops.
It is ironic that a rare genetic condition that is worse than diabetes
can offer hope to diabetics. Pancreatic agenesis, a rare genetic condition
where the body is unable to produce a pancreas is shedding light into the
relentless battle against diabetes. In addition to producing enzymes to help absorb and digest food,
the pancreas regulates the blood sugar levels of the body by releasing the
hormone insulin.
Pancreatic β-cells produce all the insulin that
the human body requires to maintain a normal blood sugar level. Diabetes is a
result of impaired glucose metabolism due to defects in the development.
expansion or maintenance of β-cell mass.
Scientists think that identifying the molecular regulators of these processes
might lead to new solutions for diabetes.
Published
in the journal Nature Genetics, the pancreatic agenesis study reveals how
certain nonspecializing stem cells can possibly be converted into
pancreatic beta cells.
A team of international researchers led by scientists from the
Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Exeter reports
a mutation in the gene GATA6 found in fifteen out of twenty-seven individuals
with pancreatic agenesis. The study sees GATA6 playing a key role in the development
of pancreatic cells. According to researchers, the mutation can be the reason
for the pancreatic disorders among diabetics.
The leader of the team, Andrew Hattersley, has this to
say: "This rare genetic condition has provided us with a surprising
insight into how the pancreas develops. What is it that programs cells to
become pancreatic beta cells? Our study suggests that GATA6 plays a very
important role in this process and we hope this will help the crucial work to try
and make beta-cells for patients with type 1 diabetes."
Meanwhile, another team lead by psychiatrist G. Richard Smith
are conducting experiments on how the mind can help heal the body using a much
less costly means - simple visualization techniques. He is not alone. To date,
there are thousands of new studies that explore the methods of imagery
and relaxation in healing the body and keeping it healthy.
One noteworthy story is that of cell biologist Joan Borysenko, a
young cancer researcher at Harvard Medical School. A strict scientist, she was
doubtful about the positive effects of mind conditioning but she was compelled
to try the method because of urgent personal needs. Her marriage just crumbled,
and she was going through the rigors of juggling her time and effort between
single motherhood and her laboratory work. Soon migraine, spastic colon,
hypertension and bronchitis took her down. Medicine offered little or no
comfort at all. In desperation she tried to use meditation and guided imagery.
There was much resistance at first, but she persisted and in time she was
healed. "I was left with a feeling of having been washed clean, like the
earth after a heavy rain", she said.
She then founded the Mind/Body Group now working at New England
Deaconess Hospital. Together with her colleagues, she guides patients which
include AIDS victims in using meditation, guided imagery and other techniques
to alleviate the conditions of those who want to add this dimension to standard
treatments.
Good news is, you don't have to wait for these experiments to be
proven. You can start using it for your advantage with nothing to lose and
everything to gain.
Next Blog:
How to Stop Your Killer T-Cells from Attacking Your
Pancreas
How to Program Your Cells to Become Pancreatic Cells
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