Engineering Optimal Islets for Transplantation for Type 1 Diabetes [abstract]

Islet transplantation offers an improvement in the quality of life for those suffering from type 1 diabetes. It is found that islet cells may die during or soon after transplantation. Studies in our lab have shown that small islets are superior to large islets as they maintain viability and result in long-lasting insulin independence in diabetic rats. Large islets show areas of cell apoptosis and necrosis within 24 hours in cell culture, while small islets remain viable. The purpose of this study was to engineer optimal islet tissue for transplantation as a means to cure type 1 diabetes.