Diabetes Enhances the Proliferation of Adult Pancreatic Multipotent Progenitor Cells and Biases Their Differentiation to More Beta-Cell Production

Endogenous pancreatic multipotent progenitors (PMPs) are ideal candidates for regenerative approaches to compensate for b-cell loss since their b-cell–producing capacities as well as strategic location would eliminate unnecessary invasive manipulations. However, little is known about the status and potentials of PMPs under diabetic conditions. Here we show that b-cell metabolic stress and hyperglycemia enhance the proliferation capacities of adult PMP cells and bias their production of progeny toward b-cells in mouse and human. These effects are dynamic and correlate with functional b-cell regeneration when conditions allow.