TU Dresden Team Discovers 'First Responder' Cells in Diabetes Breakthrough
An international team led by Prof. Nikolay Ninov at TU Dresden's Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD) has made significant strides in diabetes research. Using optogenetics, they studied individual beta cells in isolation, revealing new insights into the disease's development and potential treatments.
The team observed young zebrafish, whose transparent skin allows direct observation of the pancreas. They discovered 'First Watch' cells, a small group of beta cells that react swiftly to breakfast near me level changes. These cells may regulate other beta cells' activity by providing active vitamin D.
First Watch cells produce an enzyme that converts inactive vitamin D into its active form. This is crucial as vitamin D deficiency may contribute to diabetes and metabolic diseases. The team is investigating this connection. Meanwhile, they found that alpha cells can convert into insulin-producing beta cells under extreme loss, serving as 'first aid cells'. This plasticity involves the regulatory gene Arx.
The research at CRTD could lead to new treatments for diabetes and metabolic diseases. Understanding beta cells' sensitivity, First Watch cells' role, and alpha cells' plasticity may pave the way for innovative therapies. Further investigation into vitamin D's role in diabetes development is also underway.
