MIBE Seminar: A Stem Cell Approach to Diabetes

Topic: A Stem Cell Approach to Diabetes

Speaker: Veronica Cochrane, Doctoral Candidate (Hebrok Group)

Date and Time: Tuesday, 16 May 2023, 1:00 pm

Abstract: Diabetes is a metabolic disease that is characterized by chronically high blood glucose levels. It affects more than 500 million people worldwide and it continues to grow in prevalence. Insulin, a hormone predominantly produced by pancreatic b cells, is essential for maintaining glucose homeostasis. In response to elevated blood glucose levels, such as after a meal, b cells are stimulated to secrete insulin. Insulin in turn acts on peripheral tissues to promote the uptake and use of glucose for energy; thus, restoring normoglycemia. The destruction of b cells, or a loss of b cell function, leads to an insufficient supply of insulin, pathologically high blood glucose levels, and Diabetes. This presentation will cover the generation of b cells from human stem cells and their value for modeling b cell development, Diabetes, and as a potential cell replacement therapy.