TU Dresden Team Discovers 'First Responder' Beta Cells in Blood Sugar Regulation
An international research team led by Prof. Nikolay Ninov at TU Dresden is employing optogenetics to study the function of individual beta cells in isolation. Their findings include the discovery of 'First Responder' cells that react faster to blood sugar levels than others, potentially providing new insights into the development of diabetes and its treatment.
The team, using young zebrafish with transparent skin due to their similar pancreas to humans, observed that a small group of beta cells, dubbed 'First Responder' cells, are more sensitive to blood sugar levels. These cells serve as the control center for regulating the activity of other beta cells. The team suspects that these First Responder cells may regulate the activity of other beta cells through vitamin B6. They produce an enzyme that converts inactive vitamin B6 into its active form for cells. The team is now focusing on investigating the connection between low vitamin B6 levels and the occurrence of metabolic diseases and type 2 diabetes. This research could lead to new insights into the development of diabetes and potential new treatment methods. The team is also investigating whether all beta cells in the pancreas react equally to changes in blood sugar levels.
Prof. Nikolay Ninov's team at TU Dresden is making significant strides in understanding the function of beta cells and their role in diabetes. Their discovery of 'First Responder' cells and the potential link between vitamin B6 and beta cell activity could pave the way for new treatments and a deeper understanding of the disease.
