Transdifferentiation of pancreatic alpha to beta cells using Epi-CRISPR directed DNA methylation

Abstract

Since diabetes is characterized by impaired ability of pancreatic beta-cells to respond and/or produce insulin, new approaches for renewal and replacement of deficient beta-cells are indispensable. Generation of new insulin-producing cells from other cell types is a major aim of regenerative medicine. It has been shown that loss of the master regulatory transcription factor Arx is sufficient to induce the conversion of alpha cells to functional insulin-producing cells. Previous experiments revealed dedifferentiation of pancreatic beta to alpha cells in response to ablation of DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1) in beta cells.